Duluth: An Urban Biography

by Tony Dierckins

Duluth, the beautiful city at the head of the world’s largest freshwater lake, has gone from boom to bust to boom and back again. In this richly textured urban biography, author Tony Dierckins highlights fascinating stories of the city: Its significance as the Ojibwe’s sixth stopping place. The failed copper rush along Lake Superior’s North Shore that started the city’s growth. The natural port on the St. Louis River that made shipping its first and most important business. The legend of the digging of the ship canal. The unique aerial transfer bridge and its successor, the lift bridge. The city’s remarkable park system. The 1920 lynching of three African American circus workers. The Glensheen murders. How Duluth has been dissed in popular culture. The evolution of the city’s east-west divide. And throughout the years, the big lake and river have sustained Duluth’s economy, shaped its residents’ recreation, and attracted the tourists who marvel at the city’s beauty and cultural life.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2020

Reviews

[John Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This the first in a series of histories of different cities in Minnesota. Duluth is celebrating their 150th birthday this year and the Minnesota Historical Society Press asked Tony Dierckins, who has written other books on aspects of Duluth, to write this book. It mainly follows its development through time looking at the role different mayors played and what happened during their administrations. The author adds some interesting cultural sidebars to this discussion. It is not an overly exciting book but it is well-written and it gives a good history to what I feel is Minnesota's most beautiful city.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short history--a sort of "executive summary" history--of Duluth. I loved it, but I grew up here, then returned here as soon as I possibly could after a time away, so there's bias. It's an easy read, funny, with interesting sidebars, photos, maps.... Recommended for old Duluthians looking to reminisce, new residents looking to quickly learn the high points of their new home's history, and every Duluth high-schooler.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the Minnesota Historical Society's excellent series of books about Minnesota's major cities. Duluth has undergone periods of boom and bust, but has in recent years revitalized itself as a center for the arts and outdoor tourism. As Dierckins outlines, for a city that was supposedly given up for dead several times, Duluth keeps bouncing back, and today is a lively and vibrant place. If you're planning a visit, this book is a handy guide to the past and present of the Zenith City.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be a little biased, but I loved reading about the history of my hometown. By design it’s not an exhaustive resource. Still, it’s a fabulous collection of events and stories told by a writer and historian who clearly loves this “Zenith City of the Unsalted Seas.”

[Heidi Bakk-Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pre-read this book before publication, and having read every single Duluth history book (really!) I can say this will prove to be definitive for our community.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on the history of Duluth that provided me with some great context about the city I live in.

Also shout out to my city planning co-workers for providing some content!

[Ew Lake · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho-dee-hum, but learned a few intresting things.

[Karl Oestreich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book on the Zenith city of the North

As a Duluth native, I absolutely loved this book and it was great remembering things I had forgot about my beloved hometown and even learning new facts about this gem of a city.