Sault Ste. Marie is the oldest city in Michigan and one of the oldest cities in the entire United States of America. Established in the mid-17th century, Sault Ste. Marie's history is characterized by French and American fur trade competition. Delve into the city's past on the Locks Park Historic Walkway, which passes several historic points of interest, including Plank Alley, the site of the town's original business district; Fort Brady, which houses French and American forts; and the Johnston Homestead, the home of a famous 19th-century fur trader. At the 210-foot Tower of History, which yields exceptional views of Sault Ste. Marie's busy shipping channel, the area's American Indian roots are examined through exhibits of clothing, tools and ornaments. The jewel of Sault Ste. Marie's tourism industry is Soo Locks, a waterway traffic system of immense proportions that passes well over 10,000 ships from Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes each year. Boat tours, lighthouse cruises and dinner cruises provide an exciting journey through the Soo Locks passage.