The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald
November, in northern Michigan, brings to mind many things, Opening Day of Firearm Season, the first snow fall, and, of course, The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald. Although the Great Lakes have taken many great ships and lives, the Edmund Fitzgerald was immortalized by singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot. Not too many dry eyes are present, even when a cover band plays the song in local taverns. The anniversary of this famous sinking is November 10, when the "gales of November came early."
We have shared this before, but check out this amazing video of Gordon Lightfoot's Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald:
Learn more about the Edmund Fitzgerald and other Michigan Shipwrecks:
- The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald from Michigan History Magazine.
- Edmund Fitzgerald Remembered 30 Years After has a couple of Detroit News articles about the 30th Anniversary in 2005 and theories of the sinking.
- Armistice Day Storm & the Carl D. Bradley While the Edmund Fitzgerald receives the lions share of the press, the Armistice Day Storm of November 11, 1940 was one of the worst storms in the recorded history of Lake Michigan that claimed 5 vessels and 66 lives.
- Whitefish Point Lighthouse & Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum Destination: Michigan offers a slew of photos, information and links about this trove of Great Lakes maritime history!
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
A memorial service for the men lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald will be held on November 10 at Dr. Henri Belanger Park in River Rouge, Mi. The service will be held near the Mariners Memorial Lighthouse beginning at 6:00 p.m. The tug boat will be on hand to take out a wreath to be placed on the river. The service will feature a plaque presentation, bell ringing, lantern lighting, and refreshments will be served. For more information call Roscoe Clark at 810-519-2148 or Dolores Swekel 313-842-7822.
Photo courtesy of The Official web site for the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald Special Programs
http://www.newthirdcoast.com/song/7
New Third Coast has its own version of the tragedy, Captain McSorley. We were fortunate to share it at the Grand Marais Music Festival this summer on the shores of Superior, just a few miles from where she went down.
Comment by Bryan — November 5, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
That is awesome, Bryan! Thank you for sharing!
Comment by laura — November 5, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald will remain a vivid memory for me as I lived in Duluth at the time of the tragedy. I wrote the very first song about the event just days after the sinking. My song entitled "Twenty-Nine More Men" recounts the Fitz saga but also references the great losses of life from other Great Lakes storms as well. The lyrics for my song can be founded in a book written by author Elle-Andra Warner from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Comment by Charlie Frederick — November 6, 2009 @ 8:00 am