The Soo Locks: an incredible engineering feat in a location described by nineteenth century lawmaker Henry Clay as being the "remotest settlement in the United States, if not the moon." In this exhibition, the Clarke is delighted to showcase dozens of visually stunning photographs, many rarely seen before, documenting the history of this important transportation link.

In 2016, the Clarke was contracted by the US Army Corps of Engineers to digitize and preserve over 1,700 glass, photographic negatives dating from 1885-1941. The images document the construction and operations of three of the locks at the Soo complex. Our exhibition draws from these images, as well as original documents and contemporary photographs, to explain the impact of one of North America's greatest engineering accomplishments.

Thank you to all who attended our Summer Speaker Series Events. Please check back for our Fall schedule. 

Individuals in need of an accommodation should contact 

the Library at clarke@cmich.edu or by phone at 989-774-1100.​​​​​