A Michigan Thing

Do you know Michigan?

Long before the Mackinac Bridge connected Michigan by road, the St. Clair Tunnel connected North America by rail. Opened in 1891, it became the first full-size international railway tunnel in the world, running beneath the St. Clair River between Port Huron, Michigan, and Sarnia, Ontario. At 6,025 feet long, it was a groundbreaking engineering achievement that eliminated the need for slow rail ferries, allowing trains to travel directly between the United States and Canada year-round.

The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie are one of the most important shipping gateways on Earth. Every year, more cargo tonnage passes through these historic locks than the Panama and Suez Canals combined. From towering Great Lakes freighters carrying iron ore, coal, limestone, and grain, the Soo Locks keep North America’s industrial heart beating—and they do it right here in Michigan.

As of 2026, there are 37 officially designated Coast Guard Cities across the United States.This honorary title is bestowed by the Commandant of the Coast Guard to recognize municipalities and communities that show exceptional support, care, and appreciation for Coast Guard personnel and their families.Program HighlightsThe First Ever: Grand Haven, Michigan was the very first community to earn the title on November 13, 1998, and is proudly known as "Coast Guard City, USA".Not Just Cities: While most are cities, the designation has also been granted to a handful of strategic counties, including Cape May County, New Jersey and Camden County, Georgia.Recent Additions: The list continues to grow, with Corpus Christi, Texas, Juneau, Alaska, and Petaluma, California being among the latest to receive the honor.

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