Lake Superior

by Grace Lee Nute

This classic history of Lake Superior, from the earliest explorations to the explosion of industry on its shores, takes the reader on a tour from Duluth to Isle Royale, from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste. Marie, from Pictured Rocks to the Apostle Islands. Grace Lee Nute tells the fascinating stories of the Native Americans, voyageurs, missionaries, and others who created the way of life that many generations have known on the edge of this magnificent body of water.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, History

406 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1944

About the author

Historian and teacher Grace Lee Nute earned an A.B. in American literature from Smith College in 1917, an A.M. from Radcliffe College in 1918, and a Ph.D. in American history from Harvard University in 1921. Nute moved to Minnesota in 1921 and was the curator of manuscripts at the Minnesota Historical Society in St. Paul from 1921-46, and a research associate from 1946-57. She taught Minnesota history at Hamline University from 1927-60, conducted study courses for business women from 1930-34, was a lecturer on Minnesota history for the University of Minnesota Extension Division from 1948-52, was a visiting professor at Macalester College from 1956-59, and the director of the James J. Hill papers project for the Hill Reference Library in St. Paul from 1960-66.

Nute wrote manuals on collection preservation and organization and she pioneered the use of microfilm and photocopies to preserve manuscripts and make them more accessible to scholars. Nute also wrote books and articles on the fur trade and the exploration of Minnesota, including The Voyageur (1931) and Caesars of the Wilderness (1943). Nute was on the editorial board from 1957 on for The Naturalist, the Natural History Society of Minnesota magazine. She was a consultant for the Encyclopedia Britannica film Robert Cavalier, Sieur de la Salle (1950) and Chairman of the Clarence W. Alvord Memorial Commission, Mississippi Valley Historical Association from 1940-56. She received a Guggenheim Fellowship to fund research in Europe from 1934-35, an Honorary Litt.D. from Hamline University in 1943, a Ford Foundation grant in 1945, and an Award of Merit from the Western History Association in 1981.

Reviews

[Dave Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grace Lee Nute’s “Lake Superior,” published in 1944, is a detailed view of Lake Superior. The author provides rich historical material, a readable geological overview, much biological information, the mythology of indigenous peoples, and an explanation of the symbiotic relationship between the regional ecosystem and technological developments in the area. Nute’s narrative is well-written and mines a host of primary sources.

The author’s historical outline examines the first explorers, trappers, miners, and settlers; it is particularly strong with regard to the early French missionaries and voyagers. While her discussion examines transportation, mining activities, and settlement trends, much of this information is dated. That said, Nute’s work does give the reader a comprehensive look at the lake.

This is an interesting and informative book. My only complaint is the paucity of maps provided, and the author’s overreliance on statistical data.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published in 1944, this is an excellent, detailed history of Lake Superior up to that point in time. There is a lot of information about the first explorers, trappers, miners, and settlers. Obviously, the region is changed dramatically since WWII, particularly in relation to transportation, mining, and shipping. I've always loved Lake Superior, so I found this to be an interesting book. However, because it is so dated, it probably will not appeal to many readers these days. That said, it is well-written and filled with information.

[Kat h. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this reads exactly like how you’d expect a book from the 30s to be written. Overall, an excellent overview of Lake Superior from the standpoint of someone who knows it well, economically and culturally, even politically and socially. I found this book quite interesting and informative, and anyone who even has a remote interest in Superior would likely enjoy this deep dive into its history.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally part of the American Lakes book series, but this edition unfortunately doesn't include the maps. The text is very well done, though, with much early history made interesting. Since the copyright is 1944, even the "current" parts of the book are fun history.

[Adelbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated information, written in the early 1040s, but excellent, detailed history of human habitation on the lake.