Top Five “Little Known Facts” About Duluth

At one point in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the youthful City of Duluth was home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in the world. ...The WORLD!! And, this fact is probably even more impressive if you consider the fact that a million dollars was worth more than it is today. While there are probably still plenty of millionaires that call Duluth home, their rank has dropped compared to total population of the city.

Well, maybe not really. But if it’s healthcare you’re looking for, Duluth is definitely the city to be in. Survey’s have determined that 1 out of every 7 residents is employed in the medical field. In fact, Duluth is home to more than 400 physicians...and is ranked at the top of the list of similar sized communities for the quality of medical care.

Probably not a “little known” fact, but – impressive nonetheless are the details about the shipping industry in the City of Duluth. With the advent of the Saint Lawrence Seaway in 1959, Duluth quickly became the largest inland freshwater port in North America. It is also the farthest-inland. Over 1000 ocean-going and freshwater ships call on the Port of Duluth annually.

36 years to be exact, if you’re talking about the Interstate Highway System. When President Dwight Eisenhower proposed the Interstate Highway System in 1956, a connection to Duluth Minnesota was included as part of the plan – via I-35. Later, a proposal was added to not only “connect” Duluth via I-35, but have I-35 run “through” Duluth, to link the North Shore. THAT’S where it gets interesting. Depending on what side of the story you subscribe to, concerned residents and business owners either (a) spent the time to carefully craft a freeway that didn’t isolate the shore of Lake Superior from the downtown area...or (b) held up construction with ever-changing demands. Whichever side of the coin you’re on, one has to agree that the use of tunnels created a useful park and walkway system for the City of Duluth. In fact, one of Duluth’s landmarks – the Lakewalk – was a direct result of the lengthy plan to route I-35 through town.

Despite it’s reputation as a Democratic stronghold, Duluth is also apparently very supportive of the Green Party. During Ralph Nader’s 2000 run for President, he received almost 7% of his votes from people registered to vote in Duluth.