Recommended: Video Librarian
These five bodies of water, created 10,000 years ago, hold 3/4 of the world’s standing fresh water. Over 50 million people live within 100 miles of a Great Lake’s port. Because they comprise such a large waterway, they have played a vital role in the lives and histories of many of our ancestors, and to this day continue to play that role in still equally important and vital ways.

Lake Superior
(Bonus Chapter: Geology of The Great Lakes)
Lake Superior holds 10% of all the fresh water on earth and more water than the other four Great Lakes combined.  After being formed from melting ice glaciers over 13,500 years ago, Lake Superior at a depth of 1,300 feet has developed into one of the world’s greatest ecosystems. Throughout its history, Lake Superior has provided inhabitants of its surrounding region with an abundance of resources.  From the early Paleo-Indians inhabitants to modern day, Lake Superior continues to offer a tapestry of stories, history, and geological developments.

Lake Huron
(Bonus Chapter: Woodland Indians of The Great Lakes)
At 206 miles long, 183 miles wide, and 23,000 square miles Lake Huron is the second largest of the Great Lakes and at a depth of 750 feet it is the fourth deepest. Lake Huron is considered the “hub” of the Great Lakes maritime shipping system. Its central location, while serving as an international boundary between the United States and Canada, also makes it the only Great Lake connected to more than one other lake.

Lake Erie
(Bonus Chapter: War of 1812 and The Great Lakes)
At 241 miles long and 57 miles wide Lake Erie is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes.  Because it’s located along the U.S. Canadian border the lake became a major battle ground during the War of 1812. Flowing along its eastern edge the waters from Lake Erie drop 187 feet forming the world famous Niagara Falls. Throughout its history Lake Erie has proudly served its surrounding inhabitants. From its profound influence on the local agriculture, transportation, and economy Lake Erie has proven to be a natural resource worth honoring its past while preserving its future.

Lake Michigan
(Bonus Chapter: Early Industry on The Great Lakes)
At 307 miles long, 118 miles wide, and 22,300 square miles Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes.  You might not have known that it is also the only Great Lake found entirely within the boundaries of the United States.

Lake Ontario
(Bonus Chapter: Hydropower on The Great Lakes)
Translated “shinning water” Lake Ontario at 193 miles long and 53 miles wide is the smallest of the Great Lakes. However, at a depth of 802 feet it is the third deepest of all the lakes. Throughout the history of North America, Lake Ontario has played an important role for both early native cultures and early European explorers. Although Lake Ontario is considered the smallest of the Great Lakes it receives water from one of the most powerful energy generating waterfalls in the world–Niagara Falls. From small to powerful the waters of Lake Ontario offer us a revealing past and a promising future.

The Great Lakes: An Overview (Reinforcing The Importance of All The Great Lakes)
While each of the five Great Lakes has their own interesting personality and unique characteristics, all five of the lakes share many similarities when one considers their geology, industrial development and historical significance. In this unique program we will explore other times and significant developments on The Great Lakes that are best understood from this broader perspective.  

Overview Segments Include:
The Geology of The Great Lakes       
Woodland Indians of The Great Lakes
The War of 1812 & The Great Lakes       
Early Industry on The Great Lakes
Hydropower On The Great Lakes