When did the Edmund Fitzgerald sink?

The Edmund Fitzgerald sank in a Lake Superior storm on November 10, 1975, resulting in the loss of all 29 crew members.

How much did the Edmund Fitzgerald cost to build?

The Edmund Fitzgerald was an expensive ship, costing $8.4 million to build when it was launched in 1958.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / The Mighty Fitz: Remembering the Legendary Great Lakes Freighter

The Mighty Fitz: Remembering the Legendary Great Lakes Freighter

Q: What was the Edmund Fitzgerald known for?

The Edmund Fitzgerald was known as an engineering marvel and the largest freighter ever built for the Great Lakes, capable of carrying 26,000 tons of iron ore.

6 Nov, 2025

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Summary

The Edmund Fitzgerald was the largest freighter on the Great Lakes for 13 of its 17 years
The ship was known as an engineering marvel, costing $8.4 million to build
The wreck of the "laker" was a $24 million loss for the maritime industry

The Mighty Fitz: Remembering the Legendary Great Lakes Freighter

As of November 2025, the name "Edmund Fitzgerald" still evokes memories of the iconic Great Lakes freighter that met a tragic end 50 years ago. The ship, which was launched in 1958, was known as an engineering marvel and the largest freighter ever built for the Great Lakes at the time.

The Edmund Fitzgerald, nicknamed the "Queen of the Lakes," was 729 feet long and 75 feet wide, with a price tag of $8.4 million. Her massive size allowed her to carry an impressive 26,000 tons of iron ore, making her a true workhorse on the Great Lakes. In fact, the Fitzgerald was the largest freighter on the Great Lakes for 13 of her 17 years of service, drawing crowds whenever she pulled into port.