Detroit: More Than Cars, part II. The Detroit River

Click to this link: http://pangeographic.blogspot.com/2012/11/detroit-more-than-cars.html

If one takes a look on that post, one will understand the purpose of this post 

In the last post, there were many things about Detroit that were mentioned, how Detroit is more than just automobiles, on how geography has been significant for Detroit. This is part II of this.

In part one, it was mentioned that Detroit was a major shipping center. Well, there will be a bit more on this subject. This will be about the Detroit river. 

The Detroit river has played an important role for Detroit. It was lightly touched on that is was a major shipping center. However, this is the extent to which it was a major shipping center. The Detroit river, in 1908, was the busiest commercial river. Over 67 million tons of shipping commerce went through the Detroit river at this time. This is more than three times what New York City had at that time period. This is much more tonnage than London had at the time. The waters of the Detroit river were very busy, and it did play a part in Detroit growing  It was important to industry. Detroit Dry Dock's engine works was a major shipbuilder during its time. 

The Detroit river was also important for the fur trade. Having a centralized location, and being in the middle of a region rich in fur resources at the time, it made perfect sense to build Fort Pontchartrain de Détroit along the Detroit river. Ample water resources for travel, and a strategic location helped Detroit in the fur trade.

On another note, there is something else about the Detroit river. It is home to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. It is the only wildlife refuge in the world that is in two different nations. 

Detroit in more than just the Motor City. It is a city whose growth and history have been linked to its waterways. It is a city that has a deep history. If one looks past it's history as a city of automobile, one can see it has been many things to many different people. The historical and geographic roles of Detroit have been significant. The Detroit river has played a big role for this city. However, it is such a history that isn't always been recognized.

Image Sources: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

Easth Observatory

http://www.fws.gov/refuge/detroit_river/

Information: 

Triumph of the City: How Our Greatest Invention Makes Us Richer, Smarter by Richard Glaeser.