On This Date in Minnesota History: December 14

December 14, 1909 – An unfavorable report regarding a proposed canal connecting Minneapolis and Duluth by way of the St. Croix River was made today by Chief Engineer Marshall. “From an engineering point of view,” said Marshall, “the project is practicable, but commercially, it is impracticable and I do not deem it advisable for the government to undertake it now.”

Marshall states that he supports the board of engineers and the district engineer in their report, which is an exhaustive discussion of the condition of the traffic between Duluth and Minneapolis. The board of engineers takes the position that the four railroads extending from Duluth to Minneapolis and St. Paul are amply able to take care of the traffic. It is argued that the boat lines on such a canal could not compete with the railroads.


The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Duluth Canal Is Denied. Waterway Between Minneapolis and Zenith City Gets Unfavorable Report.”; Dec. 15, 1909; p. 1. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Croix_River_(Wisconsin%E2%80%93Minnesota)#/media/File:Stcroixmnwirivermap.png

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