Facing each other across the St. Marys River are the Ontario and Michigan cities of Sault Ste. Marie. The river's rapids were discovered by Etienne Brulé in 1622, and the first permanent mission was founded by Père Marquette in 1669. Many eminent Jesuits were stationed at the mission until its abandonment in 1689. A French military post was established in 1750; it was garrisoned until the British took it over in 1762. The settlement was an important fur-trading post until 1842. Learn More...