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Superior's First Shipyard
The first decked vessel to sail Lake Superior was constructed near this site on Pointe aux Pins in 1734-35. It was used by Louis Denis, Sieur de la Ronde, during an unsuccessful attempt to establish copper mines on the southern shore of the lake. Alexander Henry, one of the leading fur traders during the early days of the British regime, built a barge of 14 tons in 1770 and in August 1772, launched a sloop of 40 tons. These vessels transported supplies to a short-lived copper mine developed by Henry and his associates near Point Mamainse.
Location
At the St. Marys River beach, off Pointe Aux Pins Road near the early launching site, Pointe Aux Pins - southwest of Sault Ste. Marie