Duluth-Superior has a rich maritime history and the rendezvous of the Tall Ships this weekend in Duluth triggered an interest that is deep rooted in everyone that has come into contact with the shores of Lake Superior and its unique nautical past.

From the early 1800's to the 1920's, these wooden sailing ships traveled the waters of the worlds oceans and inland seas. Before the age of electricity and modern navigational devices, these vessels were the lifeline from Duluth to the outside world. Fur traders and immigrants arrived in the midwest on board these ships, stepping off with hope of a new life in a new world. Like today, America was the land of opportunity.

The Duluth Maritime Festival was organized to celebrate and remember the past with the arrival of three replica historical ships. The Pride of Baltimore II, the U.S. Brig Niagara, and the Schooner Madeline. Schooners and brigantines represent a part of the areas nautical history filled with adventure, danger, and excitement.

Although most of these types of ships served many years of service, there are many others that lay on the bottom of Lake Superior, victims of the violent storms that leave many sailors with a healthy respect for the big lake, even today.