SAULT STE. MARIE — Crews installed two bronze statues Wednesday at the city’s first roundabout, completing a years-long effort to honor the area’s early history.
The roundabout, located where 3 Mile Road, the Business Spur and Mackinac Trail meet, opened in 2018. On Wednesday morning, crews from Sailor Creek Contracting placed the statues on a base in the center of the intersection.
One statue depicts Chief Shingabawossin, who played a central role in the Sault Ste. Marie’s area in the 1820s. The other represents a French fur trader. The project was spearheaded by retired orthodontist Tom Robinson, and the statues were created by artist Andy Sacksteder.
The total cost of the statues and installation was about $200,000.
Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Don Gerrie said Robinson’s persistence helped bring the project to completion.
“Dr. Tom Robinson had this vision years ago and he’s been very patient. He put it together and appreciated his efforts. It’s going to be a great addition to the city of Sault Ste. Marie and the people coming into town. So, it’s been a great cooperative effort,” Gerrie said.
The Bay Mills and Sault Tribe Indian communities, the Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Roberts R. and Ella B Hudson Foundation also contributed to making the project possible.