The Border at Sault Ste Marie

John D. Blackwell is co-ordinator of information services, Arthur A.
Wishart Library, Algoma University College, Sault Ste. Marie.

To a large extent, Canada is defined by its border with the United
States. This compact volume presents a lucid case study of Sault Ste.
Marie, Ontario/Michigan.

Two centuries ago, Jay’s Treaty (1794) obliged the North West Company
of Montreal to move its fur-trading post from the south to the north
shore of the St. Mary’s River, which joins Lakes Huron and Superior.
So began the transborder culture of the two Saults. During the past 200
years, the twin communities have been a barometer of Canadian–American
relations. The War of 1812, Fenians, canals, railways, religion,
politics, industrialization, labor unions, two world wars, prohibition,
smuggling, tourism, cultural events, higher education, free trade, and
gambling have all inextricably linked the two Saults. There are also two
important ironies in this relationship. First, the Canadian Sault is a
city, while the American Sault is only a town. And second, for the
Ojibwa (the Chippewa in the U.S.), the border has always been an imposed
concept; under Jay’s Treaty, they claim the inalienable right to free
trade.

This book does not purport to be a comprehensive history of the two
Saults. Instead, it effectively explores selected themes of their shared
existence. Each chapter presents an intelligent synthesis of a major
transboundary tie. The text is documented by endnotes and a select
bibliography. The authors and photographer have a deep knowledge of
northeastern Ontario—a fact that is readily apparent in this
insightful book. One regrets only that the publisher has skimped on
paper quality; as a result, the many fine photographs are not reproduced
to full advantage.

Readers will probably not be surprised by the authors’ pointed
conclusion: “In many respects, north-south ties have had a greater
impact on daily life in the twin Saults than have ties with the rest of
their respective nations.” For historians, general readers, and
travelers on both sides of

the border, this book offers much valuable perspective.