St. Lawrence Seaway

### **Category: St. Lawrence Seaway** #### **Overview** The **St. Lawrence Seaway** is a vital commercial and navigational waterway that connects the **Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean**. Stretching from **Montreal, Quebec, to Lake Erie**, the seaway allows ocean-going vessels ("salties") and Great Lakes freighters ("lakers") to travel deep into North America, facilitating **international trade, industry, and transportation**. #### **History & Development** - Construction began in the **1950s** as a joint project between **Canada and the United States**. - Officially opened on **June 26, 1959**, by Queen Elizabeth II and U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. - Created by deepening existing channels and building a series of **locks, canals, and dams**. #### **Key Features** - **Locks & Canals**: 15 locks manage water levels and allow ships to bypass rapids. - **Major Waterways**: Includes the **St. Lawrence River, Welland Canal, and various lakes and channels**. - **Engineering Feat**: One of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in North America. #### **Maritime Significance** - Supports the **Great Lakes shipping industry**, handling **over 200 million tons of cargo annually**. - Transports **grain, iron ore, coal, petroleum, and manufactured goods**. - Allows **international shipping** from the Atlantic to ports in the U.S. and Canada, including **Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago**. #### **Shipwrecks & Diving** - The **seaway’s construction flooded several towns**, creating **underwater ghost towns and lost wreck sites**. - Several historic **shipwrecks** lie along its route, making it a unique diving and exploration area. #### **Environmental & Navigational Challenges** - **Winter Closure**: The seaway **freezes in winter**, closing to traffic from **late December to late March**. - **Water Levels**: Managed by the **International Joint Commission** to balance shipping, hydroelectric power, and environmental concerns. - **Invasive Species**: Opened the Great Lakes to **zebra mussels and other invasive species** from ocean-going ships. ### **Why It Matters** The **St. Lawrence Seaway** is a **critical link** between North America and global trade. It continues to evolve with **modern shipping, environmental regulations, and economic demands**, playing a key role in the **maritime history, commerce, and industry of the Great Lakes region**.