Dare to approach the notorious Zug Island? This industrial island sits where the River Rouge meets the Detroit River. Zug Island is not a natural island. A shipping canal made it an island. This allowed ships to bypass the twisting waterway.
Zug Island has a history as intriguing as its ominous appearance. Originally a marshy peninsula it was a Native American burial ground for thousands of years. Later Samuel Zug bought the land in 1876. He envisioned a luxurious estate. The dampness proved too much. After ten years the Zugs abandoned their home.
In 1888 Zug allowed a canal to be cut through his property. This connected the Rouge River more directly to the Detroit River. This became known as the Short Cut Canal. Later Henry Ford enlarged it. This allowed large ships easy passage to the Ford River Rouge Complex. In 1891 Zug sold his island to industries. They wanted it as a dumping ground.
Let’s talk about the steel mill. Detroit Iron Works brought ironmaking to Zug Island in 1901. They built a blast furnace. By 1909 there were two blast furnaces. They were reportedly the largest in the world. The plant expanded and became part of the Great Lakes Steel Corporation in 1931. Later it became a division of National Steel Corporation. In 2003 U.S. Steel purchased most of the island’s facilities.
Zug Island became a key component of a fully integrated steel mill. It includes three blast furnaces and raw materials storage areas. Ships supply ore docks. Coal coke and ore are stored along the shores. Number 5 Coke Battery is independently owned. Delray Connecting Railroad also operates rail facilities on the island.
During the industry’s peak thousands worked here. A large percentage of the downriver community was supported by the local steel producer. However U.S. Steel halted production in 2008 due to the economic downturn. They restarted it in 2009. In December 2019 U.S. Steel announced it would idle most of its operations on Zug Island by April 2020.
But surprisingly wildlife thrives here. Undeveloped areas along the shores provide habitat. Foxes and peregrine falcons frequent the island. Lake sturgeon spawn at the bottom of the Detroit River. Less welcome are the gulls feral cats and rats.
Zug Island has faced environmental challenges. Poor air quality is a pressing problem. Residents have reported foul smells and sparkly dust. In 2011 Zug Island was identified as the source of mysterious rumblings. These were known as “The Hum”.
The island is mostly off-limits to the public. Cameras are prohibited. Many urban legends exist. One legend claims a correctional facility is here. Another claims parts of RoboCop were filmed here. The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was laden with taconite destined for Zug Island.
Zug Island remains an active industrial site. It stands as a testament to Detroit’s industrial past. It also shows its potential for future innovation. Keep your eyes peeled and ears open as we move on. Who knows what secrets we will uncover next?