Minn. lighthouse to mark Fitzgerald sinking

Edmund Fitzgerald
The Great Lakes ore-carrier Edmund Fitzgerald sails in an undated file photo. The Edmund Fitzgerald sank in a severe storm on Lake Superior Nov. 10, 1975, killing all 29 aboard.
AP Photo

TWO HARBORS, Minn. (AP) -- The Split Rock Lighthouse will light its beacon Saturday to mark the anniversary of the sinking of the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald.

Every year, the landmark lighthouse along Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior commemorates the Nov. 10, 1975, sinking of the Fitzgerald. All 29 men aboard died when the 729-foot ore freighter sank in stormy Lake Superior.

The ceremony begins with the reading of the names of those who died, the ringing of a ship's bell and the lighting of the lighthouse beacon.

A film about the Fitzgerald will be shown in the Visitor Center theater throughout the afternoon.

This is the only time each year when visitors can climb to the top of the tower and see the beacon lit and revolving.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.