The Zenith Landscape
Topography- One of Duluth’s most distinct features is unmistakably the hill and the lake which it parallels. A few creeks cut through the hill, adding to the scenic beauty. Minnesota Point (also known as Park Point), Rice's Point and a narrow strip of the western bank of the St. Louis River are nearly the only flat lands. The city’s shape is elongated- running parallel to the Lake’s Shore.
Geological and Natural History Survey, circa 1911.
Picture Sources: Martin, Lawrence. Bulletin of the American Geographical Society, Vol. 43, No. 8. 1911
Geology- Duluth’s rocks are some of the oldest known on the surface of the earth. Lavas, gabbros, diabases, basalts and other igneous rocks make up the majority of the geology. These rocks present economic setbacks as their hardness is particularly difficult for excavations, and therefore digging into the rocks for construction is expensive.
Glaciation- A massive continental ice sheet from Canada moved over about the northern half of the United States. This glaciation had a profound effect on the landscape. Hills were worn down, but deposits of red boulder-clay, or till, were laid down in patches within the city limits and in extensive areas just outside Duluth.
The ice sheet receded gradually, with melting water filling in lakes and streams. Lake Superior and the Great Lakes are the remnants of these massive lakes. Lake Superior was at an elevation about 534 feet higher than today. Skyline Drive, or Boulevard Drive as it was known at the turn of the century, is at the beach that indicates the long period when the lake’s level was about 475 feet higher than present. This beach and drive offers residents of yesteryear and today beautiful views and pleasure. A series of lesser beaches are apparent down to the lake’s present level.
West Fifth Steet view From Boulevard Dr., 1910. Duluth's rocks are used as a road safety "fence." Today the view is largely unchanged, except for pavement.
The "Rock House", on Boulevard Drive, known as Skyline Drive today. Postcard circa 1915. 