Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is the oldest European settlement in the state, initially established as a Jesuit mission and fur trading post by French missionaries in 1668.

Geographically, Sault Ste. Marie sits on the St. Marys River, which connects Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes, a crucial waterway for shipping and navigation.

The city's demographics reflect a relatively small population of around 13,000 residents in 2020, exhibiting a declining trend in recent decades, typical of some Northern Michigan communities.

The Soo Locks, a National Historic Landmark, are a major economic driver for the area, facilitating the passage of large cargo ships carrying iron ore, coal, and grain between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes.

Historically, the Anishinaabe people, particularly the Ojibwe, have inhabited the Sault Ste. Marie region for centuries, calling the area "Bawating," meaning "place of the rapids," which was central to their culture and way of life.

The economy of Sault Ste. Marie is diverse, relying on tourism, manufacturing (primarily related to the shipping industry), healthcare, and government employment at the federal, state, and local levels.

Cultural events like the Soo Locks Engineers Day, celebrated annually, draws thousands of visitors and showcase the importance of the locks and the engineering achievements that made them possible.

The River of History Museum highlights the area's rich maritime history, including the stories of the Anishinaabe people, early explorers, and the development of the shipping industry.

Lake Superior State University, located in Sault Ste. Marie, contributes significantly to the local economy and provides educational opportunities in areas such as engineering, fisheries and wildlife management, and nursing.

Fort Brady, originally established in 1822, played a crucial role in securing the border with Canada and is now part of Lake Superior State University, preserving a significant aspect of the city's military history.

The International Bridge, connecting Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, facilitates trade and tourism between the two countries, representing a significant international link.

The Point Iroquois Light Station, located west of the city, is a historic lighthouse that served as a vital navigational aid for ships on Lake Superior, now a popular tourist attraction.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society's museum at Whitefish Point, though outside the immediate city limits, is easily accessible and features artifacts from notable shipwrecks on Lake Superior, contributing to the region's maritime identity.

Sault Ste. Marie played a vital role in the War of 1812, experiencing conflict and occupation due to its strategic location on the St. Marys River.

The annual Sault Summer Arts Festival showcases local and regional artists, musicians, and craftspeople, fostering cultural enrichment and community engagement.