Detroit River History

Exploring the People, Places & Engineering That Shaped the Detroit River

The Detroit River has played a remarkable role in the history of Michigan, Ontario, and the Great Lakes. From early shipping and industrial development to historic bridges, underwater tunnels, and waterfront landmarks, this international waterway has stories worth exploring.

Join Detroit River Live as we uncover the people, places, and engineering achievements that shaped the river and the communities along its shores.

Explore our historical documentaries, original Detroit River footage, archival photographs, and researched articles to discover the fascinating history hiding in plain sight along the Detroit River.

Michigan Central Railway Tunnel: The Engineering Marvel Beneath the Detroit River

Hidden beneath the Detroit River is one of the region's most remarkable engineering achievements. Completed in 1910, the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel was built using enormous steel sections floated into position and lowered into the riverbed.

Discover how engineers accomplished this extraordinary feat through our original Detroit River documentary, historic Library of Congress photographs, and detailed historical article.

Detroit River history documentary thumbnail featuring the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel, with the headline “The Tunnel They Sunk.”