"By Franz A. VonRiedel. Millions of tons of cargo have been transported across the five Great Lakes bringing the products and commodities of the Midwestern states and Canadian provinces to markets worldwide.

Known for its unique commercial operations, Great Lakes shipping has always relied on the old school uses of single screw tugboats, steam propulsion and incredibly talented engineers and captains who can maneuver their ships in and out of tight quarters and winding rivers. But times are changing on the Great Lakes, and these changes are signaling the end of an era.

This is the story of that grand era of shipping on the Great Lakes. Over 300 sharp black and white historic and current photographs bring us aboard those hard working ships that opened the interiors of America and Canada to the world.

Commercial Ships on the Great Lakes provides a comprehensive look at these great ships and includes everything from the smallest tugs, the barges, the passenger and work boats, to the gigantic ore boats. Also included are ships relegated to the bone yard and others that have been resurrected as museums, fishing boats and passenger boats."

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