Google search results are now summarized by an “AI Overview.” I tested it with three questions.

First I searched: “Are there giant statues of Bob Dylan?”

Here’s what the “AI Overview” told me:

While there’s no confirmed giant, colossal statue of Bob Dylan in Duluth, Minnesota, there have been proposals and a Kickstarter campaign for a large bronze sculpture, and a smaller, life-sized bronze sculpture is also available for purchase.

Here’s a breakdown of the Dylan statue situation:

Proposals for a Giant Statue:

A group called “The Committee for Building a Giant Colossal Statue of Bob Dylan” proposed several locations in Duluth, including Bayfront Festival Park, the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Plaza, Canal Park, and even Lake Superior.

The proposed locations included a 500-foot tall statue on a concrete island on the horizon, a 25-foot statue downtown leaning on a streetlight, and a 25-foot statue in Canal Park.

A 12-foot tall statue with bronze plaques for donors was also proposed.

I like how it’s a “Dylan statue situation.”

Then I searched: “Is Lake Superior Aquaman a real superhero?”

Google AI Overview assures us: “Not a Superpower: While he’s known for his Aquaman-inspired persona, he doesn’t possess any actual superpowers or magical abilities.”

No one has even suggested magical abilities before, so I’m flattered Google AI feels the need to deny that I have them (evidence of my psychic powers remains equivocal).

Then I searched: “Was Duluth built with lost Confederate gold?” Here’s what it told me:

While there’s a popular local legend suggesting Duluth, Minnesota was built with stolen Confederate gold, there’s no credible historical evidence to support this claim.

Here’s a breakdown of why the idea is a myth:

The “Lost Confederate Gold” Story:

The story centers around a supposed Union plot to intercept Confederate gold during the Civil War, with the gold being transported to Duluth and used to finance the city’s development.

Lack of Evidence:

Despite the widespread belief, there’s no concrete evidence to support the claim that Duluth was built with stolen Confederate gold.

The Role of Jay Cooke:

While financier Jay Cooke did play a significant role in Duluth’s development, particularly with the Northern Pacific Railroad, his involvement in any theft of Confederate gold remains unsubstantiated.

Focus on Iron Ore:

Duluth’s growth was primarily driven by the iron ore industry and its access to the Great Lakes for shipping, not any supposed Confederate gold.

Alternative Explanations:

Duluth’s rapid growth can be attributed to its strategic location, the development of the rail industry, and its role as a major port on Lake Superior.

In summary, the idea of Duluth being built with stolen Confederate gold is a popular local myth, but it lacks historical basis and is not supported by credible evidence.

Next to the AI Overview some links are provided for reference, and the very first one is “Three academic papers on Duluth and the lost Confederate gold,” all of which I asked AI (ChatGPT) to write for me, and all of them support the Confederate gold hypothesis. AI Overview did not cite that content, but linked to it. The issue of whether or not Duluth was built with lost Confederate gold appears murky and unresolved.

I like how, by being journalistically equivocal, AI Overview characterizes Jay Cooke’s role as “his involvement in any theft of Confederate gold remains unsubstantiated,” which of course makes him sound guilty.