The Sault's entire history at your fingertips

The following information was issued to SooToday by local author Sandra Rousseau. Her new book is currently available for purchase and she'll be hosting a book signing at Mill Market on Saturday, Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Local historical author, Sandra Rousseau, has a new book out entitled Sault Ste. Marie and Beyond A History of It’s People 17th – 21st Centuries, including Mackinac Island and Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It was written in such a way that anyone would enjoy reading it, including children. Part of her reason for writing this book was to include in one book the entire history of the Sault and area.

She describes history, as it happened, on both sides of the turbulent rapids at the Sault, dividing a settlement into two countries. Historical characters tell their stories: the Anishinaabe defeating the destructive Iroquois; the travels and determination of the Jesuit priests; Alexander Henry’s adventures from Mackinac Island to Lake Superior; fur traders with Indigenous wives evolving into a new culture.

This book explores the culture of the Anishinaabe homeland; French fur trade commerce; entrepreneurs’ shipbuilding and copper mining; war declared by the Americans; Canada rescued by its Indigenous neighbours; and religious encroachment, ultimately creating a vibrant Sault Ste. Marie.

The cost of this book is $20.

Six years ago, Rousseau self-published American Attempt to Take Canada War of 1812 – 1814 as it applied to St. Joseph Island, Mackinac Island, and Sault Ste. Marie. The start of the war was a bloodless offence against Mackinac Island. Then, the pressure was on the Canadians to defend this island, their interests in the vicinity, and the borders of Canada. This book has now been professionally published and contains maps, drawings and photographs. Its cost is $15.

Books may be purchased at the Ermatinger-Clergue Old Stone House on Bay Street, Shabby Motley on Queen Street East, Scott Coffee Co. near Value Village, and Super Sensations Café (formerly Westport) in the Station Mall.