110-583: Bois Blanc Island , commonly referred to as Boblo Island , is an island in the Detroit River on the Canadian side of the border and is part of Amherstburg, Ontario . The island is about 4.0 kilometres (2.5 mi) long, 0.80 km (0.5 mi) wide and 110 hectares (272 acres ) in size. The main northbound shipping channel of the Detroit River currently lies between Boblo Island and
220-622: A Canadian Heritage River . It is the only river in North America to have such dual designations. In 2001, the Wyandotte National Wildlife Refuge was absorbed into the larger Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge , a cooperative effort between the United States and Canada to preserve the area as an ecological refuge. The millions of dollars spent since that time to dredge pollutants out of
330-415: A river and a strait — a strait being a narrow passageway connecting two large bodies of water, which is how the river earned its name from early French settlers. However, today, the Detroit River is rarely referred to as a strait, because bodies of water referred to as straits are typically much wider relative to their length. The river forms the southern portion of the waterway connecting Lake Huron to
440-675: A strait in the Great Lakes system. The river divides the metropolitan areas of Detroit , Michigan , and Windsor , Ontario —an area collectively referred to as Detroit–Windsor . The Ambassador Bridge , the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel , and the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel connect the cities. The river's English name comes from the French Rivière du Détroit (translated as "River of
550-570: A classical nude woman was originally installed to overlook a reflecting pool in the Grosse Pointe War Memorial . It was nicknamed "The Nude," and, in 2001, was believed to have been successfully stolen for display in some art collector's private cache. During a police diving exercise near a submerged Jeep , the statue was found in 2009, restored, and returned to the memorial. Anchors from the SS Greater Detroit,
660-619: A deep shipping lane. The island has also been reinforced and surrounded by numerous breakwater structures to protect the artificial wetlands. The island has undergone this restoration project with funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . Most of the island is included as part of Pointe Mouillee State Game Area . Sturgeon Bar ( 42°04′06″N 83°11′19″W / 42.06833°N 83.18861°W / 42.06833; -83.18861 ( Sturgeons Bar ) ), sometimes listed as Sturgeon Bar Island,
770-607: A dumping ground until at least 1982. In 1989, it was reported that 80% of the island was covered in highly acidic brine waste, which also caused dust clouds to travel to nearby communities. BASF purchased the company (by then Wyandotte Chemical Company) in the early 1970s, and has since done a large-scale cleanup and restoration of the island. The island remains undeveloped and serves as a growing nature refuge and educational retreat. Grass Island ( 42°13′17″N 83°06′30″W / 42.22139°N 83.10833°W / 42.22139; -83.10833 ( Grass Island ) )
880-639: A luxury steamship that toured the Detroit River from 1924 to 1950, and the famed SS Edmund Fitzgerald , a lake freighter that sank in a terrible 1975 storm, have notably both been recovered from the river. The 6,000-pound anchor of the SS Greater Detroit was raised in November 2016. It was installed at the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Building. The lost anchor of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald
990-646: A mission for the Wyandot (Wendat) First Nation (also known as "the Huron Indians") in the 18th century, the location of the site of the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh ("Shooting Star") the leader of a large tribal confederacy (known as Tecumseh's Confederacy ), during the War of 1812 , and it was the location of the invasion point for 60 Canadian "Patriots" on January 8, 1838 during
1100-728: A number of historic structures and events. The entire island is listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places and also as a Michigan State Historic Site . The island itself also contains several lakes, including the Blue Heron Lagoon, Lake Muskoday, Lake Okonoda, Lake Takoma, and several artificial canals. These lakes also contain several unnamed recursive islands (islands within an island). Calf Island ( 42°06′11″N 83°10′45″W / 42.10306°N 83.17917°W / 42.10306; -83.17917 ( Calf Island ) )
1210-450: A provincial park in 1974, but the island had no future plans. The City of Windsor purchased the unused island in 1999. The island has since remained undeveloped and serves as a nature preserve and city park. Turkey Island ( 42°11′09″N 83°06′48″W / 42.18583°N 83.11333°W / 42.18583; -83.11333 ( Turkey Island ) ) is a small uninhabited island just south of Fighting Island . The island
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#17328018416111320-460: Is 52 feet (16 m) long and was constructed in 1932. Main Island also connects to Hall Island to the west via Stoflet Street, as well as connecting to Horse Island to the southeast via Island Drive. Mamajuda Island ( 42°11′32″N 83°08′10″W / 42.19222°N 83.13611°W / 42.19222; -83.13611 ( Mamajuda Island ) ) was an island located just east of
1430-478: Is 52-acre (21.0 ha) uninhabited island within Grosse Ile Township just east of Grosse Ile and west of the international border from Crystal Island. Stony Island sits at an elevation of 577 feet (176 m) above sea level. The island's unusual shape and stony composition are the result of millions of cubic yards of sediment that were dredged out of the middle of the Detroit River to provide
1540-490: Is a 334-acre (1.35 km ) island in the city of River Rouge just south of the city of Detroit. It sits at an elevation of 581 feet (177 m) above sea level. Zug Island is an artificial island that was once connected to the mainland at the mouth of the River Rouge , but its original landowner had a small canal created to set the land off as an island. In 1902, the island became site of several steel mills during
1650-688: Is a 68-acre (27.5 ha) island near the mouth of the Detroit River at Lake Erie . Celeron Island is the southernmost island within Grosse Ile Township and sits at an elevation of 571 feet (174 m) above sea level. Due to erosion, it now comprises two separate islands. Celeron Island is uninhabited and administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, as the island was included into Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in 1976. Cherry Island ( 42°04′50″N 83°11′41″W / 42.08056°N 83.19472°W / 42.08056; -83.19472 ( Cherry Island ) )
1760-555: Is a 72-acre (29.1 ha) island just north of Grosse Ile and west of Fighting Island . The uninhabited island is part of the city of Wyandotte . Originally, the island was much smaller, but it served as a disposal facility for millions of cubic yards of sediments that were dredged from the expanding of the River Rouge . In 2001, Grassy Island was an inaugural addition to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge , although access to
1870-547: Is a narrow and elongated island within the city of Gibraltar . It is the city's southeasternmost island and sits at an elevation of 571 feet (174 m) above sea level. The island is densely populated and contains a single roadway. It is connected to the mainland by the Horse Island Drive Bridge, which is 46 feet (14 m) long and was constructed in 1925. The island received its name from early settlers who would leave their horses to feed and mate on
1980-413: Is a small and uninhabited island located off the southeast coast of Grosse Ile just east of Elba Island. The island is privately owned and part of Grosse Ile Township . The island sits at an elevation of 587 feet (179 m) above sea level. Grassy Island ( 42°13′21″N 83°08′05″W / 42.22250°N 83.13472°W / 42.22250; -83.13472 ( Grassy Island ) )
2090-475: Is a very small uninhabited island in southeast Grosse Ile Township . It is located just northeast of Fox Island in the middle of the river near the international border. Powder House Island sits at an elevation of 574 feet (175 m) above sea level. The island may also be referred to as Dynamite Island. Round Island ( 42°05′32″N 83°10′01″W / 42.09222°N 83.16694°W / 42.09222; -83.16694 ( Round Island ) )
2200-537: Is an 11-acre (4.5 ha) island off the southwest coast of Grosse Ile . The island sits at an elevation of 571 feet (174 m) above sea level. The island, which is within Grosse Ile Township , is uninhabited and serves primarily as a nesting location for migrating birds. In 2002, Calf Island became part of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge . Celeron Island ( 42°04′51″N 83°10′27″W / 42.08083°N 83.17417°W / 42.08083; -83.17417 ( Celeron Island ) )
2310-401: Is an 86-acre (34.8 ha) island at the very beginning of the Detroit River at Lake St. Clair . It is within the city of Windsor . It is the easternmost island in the river and is just east of Belle Isle . Peche Island was historically known by its French names Isle aux Pêcheurs (Fisherman Island) and Isle a la Pêche (Fishing Island), but it was sometimes referred to as Peach Island due to
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#17328018416112420-519: Is an artificial island within the city of Gibraltar . It separated from the mainland by a narrow canal and is connected to the mainland by a single bridge that carries Young Drive. The island sits at an elevation of 577 feet (176 m) above sea level. It is one of the main populated islands of Gibraltar, and it is sometimes spelled as Edmund Island. Elba Island ( 42°06′09″N 83°08′51″W / 42.10250°N 83.14750°W / 42.10250; -83.14750 ( Elba Island ) )
2530-474: Is an artificial island within the city of Trenton . The island is located on the western shores of the Trenton Channel and sits at an elevation of 591 feet (180 m) above sea level. Once connected to the mainland, it was set off by the construction of a canal by landowner Giles Bryan Slocum in the mid-nineteenth century. The island became known as Slocum's Island, and the property was donated to
2640-555: Is an elongated island off the southeast coast of Grosse Ile and is administered by Grosse Ile Township . It is separated from Grosse Ile by the Oldani Marsh. Elba Island contains a single roadway and is connected by a single bridge to Grosse Ile. The island sits at an elevation of 591 feet (180 m) above sea level. Elizabeth Park ( 42°07′56″N 83°10′49″W / 42.13222°N 83.18028°W / 42.13222; -83.18028 ( Elizabeth Park ) )
2750-607: Is an elongated island within the city of Gibraltar just northwest of Calf Island . It is included in the much larger 410-acre (1.66 km ) Humbug Marsh , which was included into the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in 2004. The island is uninhabited and inaccessible, and it is noted as the last undeveloped shoreline on the American side of the Detroit River. Hickory Island ( 42°05′18″N 83°09′18″W / 42.08833°N 83.15500°W / 42.08833; -83.15500 ( Hickory Island ) )
2860-456: Is an extremely narrow and elongated island between Fighting Island and mainland LaSalle , which administers the island. The island is uninhabited and undeveloped. The island is sometimes referred to as Grassy Island , which is an American island on the exact opposite side of the river. Peche Island ( 42°20′45″N 82°55′31″W / 42.34583°N 82.92528°W / 42.34583; -82.92528 ( Peche Island ) )
2970-451: Is an uninhabited 29-acre (11.7 ha) island off the southwest coast of Grosse Ile within Grosse Ile Township . It is just east of Meso Island near the international border. The island sits at an elevation of 587 feet (179 m) above sea level. Beginning in the 1880s, Sugar Island became a popular resort location, and it eventually contained an amusement park and other entertainment venues. Ferry services brought guest to and from
3080-539: Is an uninhabited island of Grosse Ile Township . It sits at an elevation of 581 feet (177 m) above sea level. Unlike other islands at the southern tip of Grosse Ile , Round Island is undeveloped. It is separated from Grosse Ile by a narrow canal that is used for docking boats at the Ford Yacht Club. Stony Island ( 42°07′41″N 83°07′51″W / 42.12806°N 83.13083°W / 42.12806; -83.13083 ( Stony Island ) )
3190-680: Is an uninhabited island within Brownstown Charter Township just south of the city of Gibraltar. Also referred to as Cherry Isle, the island sits at an elevation of 574 feet (175 m) above sea level. The island is part of Lake Erie Metropark and contains the park's boat launch. Cherry Island is also listed by the GNIS as an unincorporated community and populated place. Edmond Island ( 42°05′01″N 83°11′41″W / 42.08361°N 83.19472°W / 42.08361; -83.19472 ( Edmond Island ) )
3300-572: Is estimated walleye fishing alone brings in $ 1 million to the economy of communities along the lower Detroit River each spring. Other fish caught by recreational fisherman include white bass , bluegill , crappie , freshwater drum , smallmouth bass , northern pike and muskie . There are over 800,000 recreation boats in Michigan, and more than half of them are regularly used on or near the Detroit River. Popular river destinations in Detroit include
3410-564: Is four times longer than the Detroit River and contains most of the watershed. The only other major American tributary to the Detroit River is the much smaller Ecorse River . Tributaries on the Canadian side include Little River, Turkey Creek, and the River Canard . The discharge for the Detroit River is relatively high for a river of its size. The river's discharge averaged over the year is 5,300 m /s (190,000 cu ft/s), and
Bois Blanc Island (Ontario) - Misplaced Pages Continue
3520-611: Is located in the southeast portion of the island. Hall Island ( 42°05′18″N 83°11′36″W / 42.08833°N 83.19333°W / 42.08833; -83.19333 ( Hall Island ) ) is an inhabited island within the city of Gibraltar . It is centrally located within the city just east of Main Island and north of Edmond Island. It is connected to the mainland and Main Island by two bridges along Stoeflet Street. Humbug Island ( 42°06′32″N 83°11′06″W / 42.10889°N 83.18500°W / 42.10889; -83.18500 ( Hamburg Island ) )
3630-464: Is on the banks of the Detroit River. According to a 2004 study, 150,000 jobs and $ 13 billion in annual production depend on the river crossings connecting Detroit to Windsor. In 2004, the American trade with Ontario alone was $ 407 billion, in which 28% ($ 113.3 billion) crossed the Detroit River. There are two automobile traffic routes that completely cross the river: the Detroit–Windsor tunnel and
3740-651: Is part of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge . The portion of the river in the city of Detroit has been organized into the Detroit International Riverfront and the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor . The Detroit River is designated both an American Heritage River and a Canadian Heritage River —the only river to have this dual designation. The Detroit River flows for 28 mi (45 km ) from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie . By definition, this classifies it as both
3850-423: Is relatively level, dropping only 3 feet (0.9 m) before entering Lake Erie at 571 feet (174 m). As the river contains no dams and no locks , it is easily navigable by even the smallest of vessels. The watershed basin for the Detroit River is approximately 700 square miles (1,800 km ). Since the river is fairly short, it has few tributaries, the largest being the River Rouge in Michigan; this
3960-403: Is the largest island in the Detroit River. The island sits at an elevation of 574 feet (175 m) above sea level in the southern portion of the river. The island itself has no precise area or population statistics, although it is approximately 10 miles (16.1 km) long and 1.0 mile (1.6 km) wide. Grosse Ile is the main island within Grosse Ile Township , and it is often referred to as
4070-425: Is the northernmost unit included in the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge . Mud Island is just north of Grassy Island , and public access to the island is prohibited. It sits at an elevation of 584 feet (178 m) above sea level. Powder House Island ( 42°06′26″N 83°08′08″W / 42.10722°N 83.13556°W / 42.10722; -83.13556 ( Powder House Island ) )
4180-422: Is the smallest of the inhabited islands of Grosse Ile Township . Swan Island is located southwest of Grosse Ile , and it is separated by a narrow canal and connected by a single bridge. The island sits at an elevation of 581 feet (177 m) above sea level. Zug Island ( 42°17′02″N 83°06′43″W / 42.28389°N 83.11194°W / 42.28389; -83.11194 ( Zug Island ) )
4290-615: Is the southernmost island in the Detroit River and is part of Brownstown Charter Township . The island sits at an elevation of 571 feet (174 m) above sea level. Sturgeon Bar is part of the Lake Erie Metropark , and the Metropark is also included as a unit within the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge . Sugar Island ( 42°05′29″N 83°08′39″W / 42.09139°N 83.14417°W / 42.09139; -83.14417 ( Sugar Island ) )
4400-453: Is the southernmost populated island within Grosse Ile Township . It sits at an elevation of 581 feet (177 m) above sea level. The island contains a single bridge connecting to Meso Island to the north leading to Grosse Ile . The Grosse Ile Yacht Club is located on Hickory Island. Horse Island ( 42°04′55″N 83°11′08″W / 42.08194°N 83.18556°W / 42.08194; -83.18556 ( Horse Island ) )
4510-485: Is to the south, and Meso Island connects to Grosse Ile by a single bridge. Sugar Island is just east of Meso Island. Mud Island ( 42°14′19″N 83°08′24″W / 42.23861°N 83.14000°W / 42.23861; -83.14000 ( Mud Island ) ) is a 21-acre (8.5 ha) island within the city of Ecorse . The island was donated by the National Steel Corporation and
Bois Blanc Island (Ontario) - Misplaced Pages Continue
4620-399: Is uninhabited, it is part of the town of Amherstburg . Similar to Stony Island, it was created to provide and mark a deeper shipping lane, and the island has a very irregular shape. Crystal Island's odd shape created a pristine inlet known as Crystal Bay. The small bay is protected by the island from the river's current and pollution, thus creating an unusually calm and clear shelter. While
4730-576: Is within the city limits of Detroit but is administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources , as the island was designated as a state park named Belle Isle Park in 2014. The island is connected to the mainland by the MacArthur Bridge , which carries East Grand Boulevard and connects to East Jefferson Avenue . Belle Isle has no permanent population. The island is a very popular tourist destination that contains
4840-490: Is within the town of Amherstburg . The island is privately owned, inaccessible, and undeveloped. Detroit River The Detroit River is an international river in North America . The river, which forms part of the border between the U.S. state of Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario , flows west and south for 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi) from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie as
4950-531: The Detroit International Riverfront and Belle Isle Park — both of which host events throughout the year. Several restaurants on the river have docks for boaters. Tour boats and dinner cruises travel through the sights of Detroit and the undeveloped islands downriver. Cruise ships support tourism on the Great Lakes and dock at the Port Detroit passenger terminal downtown. The iconic Renaissance Center
5060-730: The Great Lakes system, and it flows for 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi) from Lake St. Clair south to Lake Erie . The river serves as a major shipping channel, jointly controlled by the United States and Canada, and it is a major component of the Canada–United States border . The majority of islands are on the American side of the river, which are all within Wayne County in Michigan . The Canadian islands are part of Essex County in Ontario . There are no islands in
5170-480: The North American fur trade intensified, European settlers expanded their trade westward into uncharted territories. French explorer Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac sailed up the Detroit River on July 23, 1701. The next day, he established Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit , which developed as Detroit. The French named the river as Rivière Détroit . Détroit is French for " strait ". The river
5280-737: The St. Lawrence Seaway or the Erie Canal to New York City . At the beginning of the 20th century, the automotive industry boomed, and the many manufacturers imported abundant supplies of iron ore , sand, limestone and wood. The Detroit River provides substantial revenue for the local economies. A 1991 study showed $ 20.1 million came from sales related to waterfowl hunting along the Detroit River. The same year, bird watching, photography, and other non-consumptive uses of waterfowl contributed another $ 192.8 million to Michigan's economy. Local economies benefit through boating registrations and fishing licenses. It
5390-408: The U.S. Army , Boblo Island became an efficient transit point for Americans who sought refuge from prosecution. Those seeking to pass into Canada would take the boat from Detroit to Boblo and, upon arrival, would trade their return tickets with persons who had arrived on the island from Amherstburg. Those who had come from Canada took the return trip to Detroit, and those who had come from Detroit took
5500-634: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection , and the Canadian side is secured by the Canada Border Services Agency ; all areas between the American ports of entry and on the American side of the river are secured by the United States Border Patrol . The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a new bridge project which began construction in 2019; it will directly connect Highway 401 in Canada to Interstate 75 in
5610-557: The Upper Canada Rebellion . It also served as the stepping stone for numerous individuals on the Underground Railroad to Canada. One estimate puts 30,000 people as having had crossed over between 1834 and 1860. In 1875, a set of range lights were constructed on the island by the Canadian government. By 1879, it was used as a summer home by McKee Rankin and Kitty Blanchard. Boblo is known regionally as
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#17328018416115720-699: The War of 1812 , the Detroit River served as a major barrier between the American Michigan Territory and British Upper Canada , especially during the Battle of Fort Detroit in August 1812. Detroit briefly fell to the British. After the completion of the Erie Canal in 1817, which opened up easier travel to Lake Erie from the East Coast of the United States , connecting the Great Lakes to
5830-567: The "big island" or "main island" to distinguish it from the township as a whole, which contains a dozen individual islands. Grosse Ile connects to the mainland by the Wayne County Bridge in the middle of the island and the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge on the northern end. The Grosse Ile Municipal Airport is located on the southern end of the island. The island also contains a number of smaller bridges that traverse
5940-475: The 17th century. By the time the fur trade decreased, Michigan had begun to exploit the lumber -rich areas of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula . Detroit turned into a major industrial region, largely because of the Detroit River. The only way a ship could travel out of the upper Great Lakes system was to travel down the Detroit River. From there, ships could travel anywhere in the world out of
6050-401: The 20th century, the Detroit River became notoriously polluted and toxic. Since the late 20th century, however, a vast restoration effort has been undertaken because of the river's ecological importance. In the early 21st century, the river today has a wide variety of economic and recreational uses. There are numerous islands in the Detroit River , and much of the lower portion of the river
6160-577: The Amherstburg mainland. A stone lighthouse was built in 1836 on the southern tip of Boblo Island which marks the historical beginning of the Detroit River navigation channel for ships travelling upriver from Lake Erie in more modern times. It is now part of the Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse and Blockhouse . The island had strategic importance when Fort Amherstburg (now Fort Malden ) was built in 1796 to guard passage along
6270-538: The British colonial government in Canada declared former slaves could not be extradited to be returned to their owners. With their freedom in Canada secured, crossing the Detroit River out of the United States became an imperative for escaping slaves. During the American Civil War (1861–1865), the Union feared the seceded Confederate States of America (CSA) would plan a northerly attack from Canada, which
6380-549: The Canadian border region also assisted Blacks hoping to flee from the U.S. once the Fugitive Slave Act was strengthened in 1850. Canada also granted legal immigration status to Blacks, while Mexico did not for many years. Individuals and organizations assisted escaping slaves hoping to cross the Detroit River from the United States into Canada. The Second Baptist Church of Detroit and First Baptist Church of Amherstburg coordinated ferrying thousands of Blacks across
6490-477: The Detroit River after Detroit , Michigan was turned over to the Americans. Guns from the fort could reach the island across the navigable waters and hence secured the river. Its association with the ancient Sauk Trail , the earliest European reference made about the island in 1718, which describes 70 First Nation families peacefully farming the fertile land, later it became the place where French Catholic had
6600-412: The Detroit River but the term "Downriver" refers broadly to the cluster of 18 suburban communities that lie to the southwest of the city of Detroit and to the west of the Detroit River. The Detroit River contains 31 charted islands. The majority of the islands are located on the American side of the river. Many of the islands are small and uninhabited, and none are divided by the international border, as
6710-470: The Detroit River has led to a remarkable restoration, although problems remain. Today, many species of native animals that had been driven out by human development are returning to the area. The river is home to a growing number of bird species such as eagles (including reintroduced bald eagles ), ospreys , and peregrine falcons . Large numbers of lake whitefish , sturgeon , silver bass , black bass , salmon , perch , and walleye are again thriving in
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#17328018416116820-428: The Detroit River into Canada, and Detroit's Colored Vigilant Committee assisted over 1,500 fugitives in crossing into Canada. Famous abolitionists and Underground Railroad conductors including George DeBaptiste and William Lambert worked individually and with these organizations to assist fleeing slaves and condemn slavery. There was considerable transnational fluidity between the Canadian and American sides of
6930-409: The Detroit River is urbanized and, in some places, has been used for industrial purposes for more than 100 years. There has been excessive water pollution of the river from the long-term, unregulated dumping of chemicals, industrial waste, garbage, and sewage. Much of the Detroit River and its shoreline were polluted and unsafe for recreational use. Thousands of migrating birds died each year because of
7040-531: The Detroit River that are divided by the international border, as Michigan and Ontario share no land borders at any point. Most of the islands are very small and uninhabited, and many of these islands around the southern portion of the river serve as nature reserves as part of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge . The largest and most populated island is Grosse Ile , and many islands are part of Grosse Ile Township . Several islands were also artificially created by canals, such as several islands within
7150-505: The Detroit River, and Lake Erie. Finally, a massive conservation effort was initiated to clean up the Detroit River. For years, the multi-million dollar cost of removing pollutants from the river and the political influence of nearby industries, hindered conservation efforts. In 1998, the Detroit River was designated as an American Heritage River by the US Environmental Protection Agency and in 2001 as
7260-511: The Detroit River. The French later claimed the area for New France . The famed sailing ship Le Griffon reached the mouth of the Detroit River in mid-August 1679 on its maiden voyage through the Great Lakes . Later, when the French began settling in the area, they navigated the river using canoes made of birch or elm bark. Handcrafted vessels were a common mode of travel across the river, and pirogues and bateaux were also used. As
7370-533: The English pronunciation. The island was originally privately owned and used as a lavish summer residence for Hiram Walker and later others. Later owners attempted to profit and turn the island into an amusement park and resort destination similar to Belle Isle and Boblo Island Amusement Park , but these plans never came to fruition. The island was eventually sold to the Province of Ontario and converted into
7480-567: The Hudson River and the port of New York City, the Detroit River became a route for many migrating settlers traveling to northern Michigan. Detroit rapidly attracted a share of new residents. Following the Patriot War , in which British regulars and Michigan militia nearly came to armed conflict on the ice-covered Detroit River, the United States built Fort Wayne at Detroit to counter Britain's riverside Fort Malden at Amherstburg across
7590-459: The Strait"). The Detroit River has served an important role in the history of Detroit and Windsor, and is one of the world's busiest waterways. It is an important transportation route connecting Lake Michigan , Lake Huron , and Lake Superior to Lake Erie and eventually to Lake Ontario , the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Erie Canal . When Detroit underwent rapid industrialization at the turn of
7700-422: The age of rapid industrial development along the Detroit River. Today, Zug Island houses a large steel mill owned by U.S. Steel , and public access is strictly prohibited. Bois Blanc Island ( 42°05′50″N 83°07′16″W / 42.09722°N 83.12111°W / 42.09722; -83.12111 ( Bois Blanc Island ) ), popularly known as Boblo Island , is a 274-acre (1.11 km ) island in
7810-458: The booming businesses and long history of Metro Detroit and Windsor, Ontario , the Detroit River has been the site of many artifacts, some lost with sunken ships and others abandoned, such as murder weapons or stolen bronze statues. A DMC DeLorean has also been recovered from the river. The artifacts recovered are well preserved due to the river's fresh water but low visibility makes them difficult to find. A 1940s-era bronze statue depicting
7920-515: The center of a new industry known as rum-running , smuggling liquor into the US. No bridges connected Ontario, Canada and Michigan, US, until the Ambassador Bridge was finished in 1929 and the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel in 1930. Smugglers used boats of varying sizes to transport alcohol across the river during the summer, and during the winter months, rum-runners traveled back and forth across
8030-571: The city of Detroit is directly north of the city of Windsor, Ontario . The only other location where this occurs is Fort Erie, Ontario , which lies south of several cities in Niagara County, New York . The cities and communities southwest of Detroit along the American side of the river are popularly referred to as the Downriver area, because those areas are said to be "down the river" from Detroit. Several of these communities do not border
8140-424: The city of Gibraltar , as well as Elizabeth Park and Zug Island . Belle Isle ( 42°20′35″N 82°58′28″W / 42.34306°N 82.97444°W / 42.34306; -82.97444 ( Belle Isle ) ) is a 982-acre (3.97 km ) island in the northeastern portion of the Detroit River just north of Downtown Detroit . Belle Isle sits at an elevation of 574 feet (175 m) above sea level, and
8250-651: The county in 1918. The Slocum's Island name has now largely fallen into disuse. Today, the island encompasses the 162-acre (65.6 ha) Elizabeth Park on the northern end and the Trenton Channel Power Plant on the south. The two are separated by the Grosse Ile Parkway, which carries the Wayne County Bridge leading to Grosse Ile . Fox Island ( 42°06′22″N 83°08′29″W / 42.10611°N 83.14139°W / 42.10611; -83.14139 ( Fox Island ) )
8360-565: The former home of the Boblo Island Amusement Park , which began operation in 1898 and closed in 1993. The Nightmare , Falling Star , Wild Mouse , Sky Streak and Screamer were the signature rides. For more than 85 years, the park was serviced by SS Ste. Clair and SS Columbia . A 1910 advertisement in the Detroit Free Press offered a trip to Boblo Island. The Boblo Island Amusement Park
8470-559: The frozen Detroit River by car. In some cases, overloaded cars fell through the ice. In the 21st century, car parts from this era are occasionally still found on the bottom of the river. Rum-running in Windsor and production of bootleg liquor became common practices. American mobsters such as the Purple Gang of Detroit used violence to control the route known as the "Detroit-Windsor Funnel," and continue to gain lucrative returns from
8580-413: The government's placing tighter restrictions on industries; substantial government funding at various levels has been allocated to clean up the river. In this early period, opponents believed that such efforts would adversely affect Detroit's industry and economy. In 1970, toxic levels of mercury in the water resulted in the total closing of the fishing industry in the St. Clair River , Lake St. Clair ,
8690-444: The island during the summer months. Main Island ( 42°05′21″N 83°11′19″W / 42.08917°N 83.18861°W / 42.08917; -83.18861 ( Main Island ) ) is the largest and most-populated island within the city of Gibraltar . It is separated from the mainland by a narrow canal. The island is connected to the mainland at the north end by the historic Gibraltar Road–Waterway Canal Bridge , which
8800-495: The island has also gone by several historic names. It is the northernmost island in the river just downstream from Lake St. Clair . Because of the curve in the river, Belle Isle is just west of (Southbound on the river) the Canadian Peche Island , which is the easternmost and first island in the river heading South. It is the third-largest island in the river after Grosse Ile and Fighting Island . The island
8910-418: The island is gone, it is still listed on some online maps and may surface during times of low water levels. Meso Island ( 42°05′35″N 83°09′06″W / 42.09306°N 83.15167°W / 42.09306; -83.15167 ( Meso Island ) ) is a populated island in southeast Grosse Ile Township . The island sits at an elevation of 584 feet (178 m) above sea level. Hickory Island
9020-456: The island is restricted and difficult. Grassy Island sits at an elevation of 574 feet (175 m). It once contained the former Grassy Island Light . Grassy Island should not be confused with another island on the opposite side of the river named Grass Island , which is part of Ontario . Grosse Ile ( 42°07′36″N 83°09′33″W / 42.12667°N 83.15917°W / 42.12667; -83.15917 ( Grosse Ile ) )
9130-419: The island itself is off limits since it serves as a nature preserve, the bay is a popular destination for boaters and fishermen. Fighting Island ( 42°13′18″N 83°07′12″W / 42.22167°N 83.12000°W / 42.22167; -83.12000 ( Fighting Island ) ) is the largest Canadian island in the Detroit River at 1,500 acres (6.07 km ). It is the second largest island in
9240-588: The island until the 1940s when the amusement park closed. The island soon fell into disuse and ruins. In 2012, the deserted island was purchased by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and soon after included as a unit in the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge . The island contains no structures, and access to the island is restricted. Swan Island ( 42°05′57″N 83°10′26″W / 42.09917°N 83.17389°W / 42.09917; -83.17389 ( Swan Island ) )
9350-557: The island's canals and connect to the smaller islands to the south. Grosse Ile contains numerous historic structures and is primarily residential with little economic development. The island is bisected by the Thorofare Canal and another canal that separates the undeveloped northern portion of the island referred to as Hennepin Point. The 40-acre (16.2 ha) Gibraltar Bay Unit of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
9460-457: The north and Lake Erie to the south, with other portions including the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair . The Detroit River is only 0.5–2.5 miles (0.8–4.0 km) wide. It begins with an east-to-west flow from Lake St. Clair, but curves and runs north to south. The deepest portion of the Detroit River is 53 feet (16.2 m) in its northern portion. At its source, the river is at an elevation of 574 feet (175 m) above sea level. The river
9570-503: The northern tip of Grosse Ile (Hennepin Point) within Grosse Ile Township . The island was once 30 acres (12.1 ha) in size and contained the historic Mama Juda Lighthouse, which was first built in 1849. The lighthouse was lost by increased erosion in the 1950s, and the entire island itself disappeared soon after. The island was also known as Mammy Juda Island and sits at an elevation of 574 feet (175 m) above sea level. Although
9680-413: The northside of the island. The southside, where the amusement park once stood, remains undeveloped. The island is accessible to the public. Crystal Island ( 42°07′21″N 83°07′17″W / 42.12250°N 83.12139°W / 42.12250; -83.12139 ( Crystal Island ) ) is an artificial island located directly across the international border from Stony Island. Though it
9790-412: The oil slicks and contaminated water around the mouth of the Detroit River at Lake Erie . The river's oxygen levels were depleted to the point where fish could not inhabit its waters. Because this pollution often drained into and affected Lake Erie, the lake was considered "dead" and unable to support aquatic life. In 1961, a congressional order founded the Wyandotte National Wildlife Refuge. That began
9900-415: The privately owned Ambassador Bridge , both of which connect Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario. A railway tunnel and a commercial truck ferry service also travel between Detroit and Windsor. In Michigan, there are two bridges connecting the mainland to Grosse Ile , as well as the MacArthur Bridge that connects the mainland Detroit to Belle Isle . All ports of entry on the American side are secured by
10010-403: The return trip to Amherstburg, thus arriving in Canada without having to pass through customs at the border. The island is currently being developed as Boblo Island and Marina Resort Community by Amico Properties Limited. Boblo Island now has a community of homes and condominiums. The island is served by a private ferry. Temporary alterations of both of the steamers, Columbia and Ste. Clair ,
10120-601: The river after Grosse Ile . Fighting Island is administered by the town of LaSalle , but it is privately owned by the German-based BASF , which has a facility across the river in Wyandotte . The island originally had a small indigenous population before it was purchased by the Michigan Alkali Company in 1918. The company used the island as a dumping ground for waste. The island served as
10230-441: The river lives in Michigan . The Detroit River has two automobile traffic crossings connecting the United States and Canada: the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel . Both of these are strongly protected by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency . The upper portion of the river is one of the two places where a Canadian city lies directly south of an American city. In this case,
10340-476: The river until the middle of the 19th century. The 1833 Blackburn Riots in Detroit, which erupted after slave hunters detained couple Lucie and Thornton Blackburn, marked the end of hundreds of years of a nearly porous border between Canada and the United States on the Detroit River. Detroit's African American population protested and helped the Blackburns escape across the Detroit River to Upper Canada, where
10450-407: The river's flow is relatively constant. The Detroit River forms a major element of the international border between the United States and Canada. The river on the American side is all under the jurisdiction of Wayne County, Michigan , and the Canadian side is under the administration of Essex County, Ontario . The largest city along the Detroit River is Detroit , and most of the population along
10560-544: The river. The Detroit River and its recovery efforts were listed as a Michigan State Historic Site in 2007. A historic marker was erected along the river in a park that now serves as the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge visitor center in the city of Trenton . The Detroit River is used for shipping and trading. The earliest use of the river for these economic activities was the shipping of furs for trade as early as
10670-510: The river. The Detroit River served as a final stop on the Underground Railroad and was the most active entry point along the United States–Canada border for fugitive slaves. Escaping slaves often chose to cross through the Detroit River rather than flee to Mexico because of the river's location near free states made it less risky than traveling through slaveholding states that border Mexico. The strong Underground Railroad networks in
10780-416: The river. Inventory documents record a total of 17 cannons and 14 have been accounted for. It is believed that the British dragged the cannons onto the frozen river so they would sink with the spring thaw, and be kept from use by the American enemy. Another seven, larger cannons may have fallen off a barge closer to Amherstburg , Ontario , and may yet be found in the river. Much of the land that surrounds
10890-403: The southeast portion of the Detroit River. It is the southernmost Canadian island in the river and is administered by the town of Amherstburg . In 1836, the Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse and Blockhouse were constructed on the island as an aid to navigation at the mouth of the Detroit River. The island then served as a military outpost. The lighthouse was decommissioned in the late 1950s, but
11000-489: The structures remain to this day. The island is most famously known as the location for the Boblo Island Amusement Park , which operated from 1898 to 1993. Ferries services routinely brought Americans to the island from the Boblo Island Detroit Dock further upstream. The island has no bridges connecting to the mainland; local ferries continue to serve the residents that now live in upscale housing on
11110-505: The trade. The name parodied the newly built tunnel between the cities and nations. The Detroit River, Lake St. Clair , and the St. Clair River are estimated to have carried 75% of all liquor smuggled into the United States during Prohibition. Government officials were unable or unwilling to deter the flow. The rum-running industry died when prohibition was repealed in 1933 by the Twenty-first Amendment . Because of
11220-466: The two countries do not share a land border along the river. Grosse Ile is the largest and most populated of all islands, and Fighting Island is the largest Canadian island. Most islands are located in the southern portion of the river. Europeans first recorded navigating the Detroit River in the 17th century. The Iroquois traded furs with the Dutch colonists at New Amsterdam by traveling through
11330-465: The world. By comparison, London shipped 18,727,230 tons (16 billion kg), and New York shipped 20,390,953 tons (18 billion kg). From 1920 to 1933, the United States (US) enforced the Prohibition era . The sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol for consumption were nationally banned. Detroit, as the largest city bordering Canada, where alcohol remained legal during Prohibition, became
11440-482: Was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." As of 2019, the vessel is docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. Livingston, Patrick, Summer Dreams - The Story of Bob-lo Island (Wayne State University Press 2008) List of islands in the Detroit River Download coordinates as: The following is a description of islands in the Detroit River . The Detroit River is a major waterway in
11550-576: Was controlled by the British Empire and remained neutral in the war. The Union feared the CSA would cross the Detroit River to launch this attack. For that reason, Union forces regularly patrolled the Detroit River and the fortification at Fort Wayne improved, although it was far removed from any major combat. A Confederate plot to capture the U.S. Navy warship, USS Michigan , and liberate Confederate prisoners from Johnson Island , in western Lake Erie,
11660-578: Was famous for those two steamers, which went between Detroit and the island. A lawsuit concerning the power of the state of Michigan to prohibit racial discrimination on the ferries , Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan , 333 U.S. 28 (1948), reached the U.S. Supreme Court and resulted in a notable decision construing the Commerce Clause . During the Vietnam War, when Canada had become a safe haven for those who refused to be drafted into
11770-684: Was known literally as the "River of the Strait". When Great Britain defeated the French in the Seven Years' War (known as the French and Indian War on the American front), it took over control of the Detroit River, as well as other French territory east of the Mississippi River. The newly formed United States claimed this territory during the American Revolution , but the British did not transfer it until 1796. During
11880-421: Was made for the 2014 feature film Transformers: Age of Extinction . The Ste. Claire was engulfed in an accidental fire while docked on the Detroit River on July 6, 2018. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. "We are at the point in restoration to where it
11990-610: Was narrowly averted only after the Confederates had captured two passenger steamships. At the beginning of the 20th century, Detroit's industrialization took off on an unprecedented scale. The Detroit River became the world's busiest commercial river and in 1908 was dubbed "the Greatest Commercial Artery on Earth" by The Detroit News . In 1907, the Detroit River carried 67,292,504 tons (61 billion kg) of shipping commerce through Detroit to markets all over
12100-642: Was recovered during a July 1992 project, and the anchor was installed in the yard of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle . Since the 1980s, divers have recovered a total of six 1700s-era cannons from the river. The last was found in 2011 near the Cobo Center . They are believed to have been part of the pre- War of 1812 inventory kept by the British garrison in this area. Historians believe another three cannon may still be in
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