Duluth Waterfront Aerial Photo Circa 1903
This image from the Minnesota Digital Library, contributed from the Kathryn A. Martin Library Archives & Special Collections is estimated to be from the year 1903 — 120 years ago. It shows the Duluth Shipping Canal prior to construction of the Aerial Bridge, along with views of Canal Park, Rice’s Point and the old West End.
I did my best to enhance it, as can be seen by looking at the original, which is pretty crusty.
Just a moment... collection.mndigital.orgAccept the challenge if you think you can pretty it up better than I did.


Impressive, considering there were no airplanes in 1903. Must have been from a balloon?
All those boats crowding around the canal together make me anxious.
Could even been pre 1900s. Can’t see lift bridge or even construction. Very cool photo.
It’s coming in a bit late but it seemed like a fun test for Photoshop’s AI tools so… challenge accepted.
