With nearly countless vessels calling the Great Lakes home and relying on the Soo Locks to transport cargo, choosing a favorite freighter is no easy task. Because access to Lake Superior is crucial for the shipping industry, 13 massive freighters have been built to push the limits of size on the Great Lakes. During the 1970s and early 1980s, freighters over 1,000 feet in length became the gold standard, designed specifically to fit within the Poe Lock’s maximum dimensions. These giants are so large that they can’t travel beyond the Great Lakes, making them a unique and essential part of the region’s maritime industry. We’re lucky to have them as frequent visitors to Sault Ste. Marie!
To help you keep track of these colossal vessels, we’ve gathered information on all 13 of them. Hover over the photos (or tap on mobile) to see each freighter’s stats. Want even more freighter facts, trivia, and peaceful ship-watching moments? Check out our TikTok, where we share all things freighters—including up-close views of these engineering marvels in action!
Stewart J. Cort
Launched: May 1, 1972
Company: Interlake Steamship Co.
Size: 1,000’00”
Capacity: 58,000 tons
Engine Horsepower: 14,000 bhp
The Stewart J. Cort was the one that started it all. In fact, the bold “#1” painted on her aft house commemorates her status as the first 1,000-foot freighter on the Great Lakes. Affectionately known as “Stubby,” she briefly held the title of Queen of the Great Lakes—a distinction given to the largest ship on the lakes.
Her construction was anything but ordinary. In 1970, her bow and stern were built in Mississippi before being transported north, where her hull was inserted in 1971. This unique design and assembly method earned her the nickname “Stubby.” On May 1, 1972, she set sail on her maiden voyage, marking the beginning of a new era in Great Lakes shipping.
Presque Isle
Launched: Dec. 16, 1973
Company: Great Lakes Fleet
Size: 1,000’00”
Capacity: 57,500 tons
Engine Horsepower: 14,840
The Presque Isle is the only 1,000-foot tugboat/barge combination on the Great Lakes and is the largest of its kind in the world. Construction cost a reported $35 million, which equates to over $260 million in 2025.
James R. Barker
Launched: Aug. 7, 1976
Company: Interlake Steamship Co.
Size: 1,004’00”
Capacity: 63,300 tons
Engine Horsepower: 16,000
Mesabi Miner
Launched: June 11, 1977
Company: Interlake Steamship Co
Size: 1,004’00”
Capacity: 63,300 tons
Engine Horsepower: 16,000
Walter J. McCarthy Jr.
Launched: July 12, 1977
Company: American Steamship Co.
Size: 1,000’00”
Capacity: 89,000 tons
Engine Horsepower: 14,000
American Integrity
Launched: June 8, 1978
Company: American Steamship Co.
Size: 1,000’00”
Capacity: 80,900 tons
Engine Horsepower: 14,400
American Spirit
Launched: July 15, 1978
Company: American Steamship Co.
Size: 1,004’00”
Capacity: 62,400 tons
Engine Horsepower: 16,000
Edwin H. Gott
Launched: July 19, 1979
Company: Great Lakes Fleet
Size: 1,004’00”
Capacity: 74,100 tons
Engine Horsepower: 19,500
With two 8-cylinder MaK/Caterpillar 8m43C diesel engines capable of producing 19,500 horsepower, the Edwin H. Gott is the most powerful freighter on the Great Lakes. Her younger sister the Edgar B. Speer is nearly identical.
Indiana Harbor
Launched: March 19, 1979
Company: American Steamship Co.
Size: 1,000’00”
Capacity: 89,900 tons
Engine Horsepower: 14,000
Burns Harbor
Launched: Oct. 28, 1979
Company: American Steamship Co.
Size: 1,000’00”
Capacity: 80,900 tons
Engine Horsepower: 14,400
Edgar B. Speer
Launched: June 4, 1980
Company: Great Lakes Fleet
Size: 1,004’00”
Capacity: 73,700 tons
Engine Horsepower: 19,600
American Century
Launched: Nov. 8, 1980
Company: American Steamship Co.
Size: 1,004’00”
Capacity: 62,400 tons
Engine Horsepower: 16,000
Paul R. Tregurtha
Launched: Feb. 4, 1981
Company: Interlake Steamship co.
Size: 1,013’05”
Capacity: 68,000 tons
Engine Horsepower: 17,120
The Paul R. Tregurtha holds the title of Queen of the Great Lakes—and with the longest reign of any “Queen” in Great Lakes history, she’s truly in a league of her own. Affectionately known as “Big Paulie,” she was the last of the 1,000-foot freighters, marking the end of a decade of shipbuilding unlike anything the Great Lakes had ever seen—and may never see again. In fact, no new freighters were built on the lakes for nearly 30 years after her launch, until her fleetmate, the Mark W. Barker, set sail in 2022.
Want a closer look at the PRT? Check out our TikTok featuring this legendary vessel here. And if you’re a fan of vertical videos, we’ve got featured clips of most 1,000-footers available here.
1,013 ft. of Freighter Facts
Looking to learn a bit more about these freighters while visiting the Soo Locks? Be sure to take a look along the fence at the Soo Locks Park. You’ll find 13 banners spaced out over 1,013 ft. with each one featuring one of the 1,000 footers. These banners make for great reading material while waiting to watch one of these giant freighters use the Soo Locks.
These 13 freighters are some of the main reasons people visit Sault Ste. Marie, and they’re a huge part of what makes the Soo a unique travel destination. Which one of these lake freighters is your favorite? Be sure to tag your freighter photos with the hashtag #ilovethesoo on social media while visiting Sault Ste. Marie. And don’t forget to tag us on your post on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram.
Special thank you to BoatNerd.com for being a great resource for freighter information
