Sault Ste. Marie is rich in history and notable moments in time. You might not know this, but some very prominent people once lived in Sault Ste. Marie. 

Jeff Blashill 1973-Present-   Born in Detroit Michigan but raised is Sault Ste. Marie Jeff Blashill was the son of a Lake Superior State University (LSSU) professor that got his start here in Hockey Town USA. Now Blashill is best known as the head coach for the NHL Detroit Red Wings.

Terry O’Quinn 1952-Present-   Hollywood actor Terry O’Quinn was born at Sault Ste. Marie’s War Memorial Hospital and grew up in Newberry west of the Soo. Emmy Winner O’Quinn is best known for his portrayal of John Locke on the hit series Lost.

Chase Salmon Osborn 1860-1949- Originally from Indiana Chase Osborn later moved to Sault Ste. Marie to run a newspaper and begin his career in politics. Osborn is, to date, the only Michigan Governor from the Upper Peninsula. 

Courtesy Archives of Michigan

Clarence “Taffy” Abel 1900-1964- Known for his gritty style of hockey, Sault Ste. Marie local hero Taffy Abel went from the Soo to great hockey success. Professional hockey player, silver medal Olympian, Stanely Cup champion, Hockey Hall of Famer, and namesake of the LSSU hockey arena. Abel returned to Sault Ste. Marie to live out his retirement.

Jane Johnston Schoolcraft 1800-1842- Daughter of a prominent Irish fur trader John Johnston and his wife Ozhaguscodaywayquay (Susan Johnston) was the first known Native American literary writer. Actually, Jane was the “first known” of many things. She has been recognized as the first known Native American woman writer, the first known Native American poet, the first known poet to write poems in a Native American language and the first known Native American to write out traditional Native American stories.

This is a very short list of notable people from Sault Ste. Marie. So many people have done amazing things to put the Soo on the map. Did we miss someone? Let us know by reaching out to us on Facebook and Twitter.