41 Years Ago, Edmund FItzgerald Sinks

In 1976, a song by Gordon Lightfoot captured the attention of not only me, but the whole state of Michigan, like a punch in the face. The Wreck of the Edmund FItzgerald became almost an anthem to the maritime history of Michigan.

The haunting lyrics and sound that spoke of the wreck of the freighter and crew that was lost only the year prior, is still played today. The mystery of what really happened still remains.

41 years later, we have the wrecked remains of lifeboats in museums in our upper peninsula. Her bell was raised and is now back with her in the icy waters of Lake Superior and in 2007, a life ring from the ship was discovered on shore. But the 29 who were lost are still unaccounted for. Their names engraved in Michigan history and their legacy, a sad reminder to the dangers of nature.