The present canal dates to 1895, and formed part of the shipping route from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Superior, along with the two locks on the US side of the river.

Since the Americans were unable to capture Fort Michilimackinac, the British forces retained control of the Sault.

[2] In 1870, the United States refused the steamer Chicora, carrying Colonel Garnet Wolseley permission to pass through the locks at Sault Ste Marie.

As a result, the Walker struck the pier and crashed into the southern gate while moving at approximately 6 miles per hour.

[5][6] The impact of the collision led to the water inside the lock rushing out at a speed of over 40 miles per hour, carrying all three ships with it.

The rush of water through the destroyed locks was stopped by activation of the Emergency Swing Dam,[7] allowing repairs to commence.

Amazingly, there was no loss of life or injury associated with this disaster, and repairs required only 12 days, with the bridge reopening on June 21, 1909.

The Red River Expedition of 1870, a National Historic Event, portaged nearby, prior to the canal's construction, and was the major reason for its creation.