The Tower of History: Reaching for the Sky in Michigan

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Discover the Tower of History in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan! Learn about its breathtaking views, unique architecture, and local museum.

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• Part_number: 1
  Text:

  Have you ever wanted to see a bustling city from the sky? The Tower of History is a fantastic place to do just that. It is located in Sault Ste. Marie, a beautiful and historic city in Michigan. This amazing tower is exactly 210 feet tall, which is about 64 meters. Because it is so high, it is the tallest observation tower in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. When you go to the top, you can see for almost 20 miles in every direction! Visitors can look out over the St. Marys River and clearly see the border between the United States and Canada. The panoramic view is truly breathtaking.

  Vocabulary_explanations

  Bustling: Very busy and full of energy.

  Historic: Famous or important in history.

  Observation: The act of watching or looking at something from a high place.

  Upper Peninsula: The northern part of the state of Michigan.

  Meters: A unit for measuring length; one meter is about 3.3 feet.

  Border: The line that separates two countries.

  Panoramic: A wide, continuous view of a large area.

  Breathtaking: Extremely beautiful; so amazing that it takes your breath away.
  Questions:

  • Question: What city is the Tower of History located in?
    Options:

    • A) Detroit
    • B) Sault Ste. Marie
    • C) Grand Rapids
    Answer: B) Sault Ste. Marie
  • Question: The Tower of History is 64 feet tall.
    Options:

    • True
    • False
    Answer: False
  • Question: What river can you see from the top of the tower?
    Options:

    • A) The St. Marys River
    • B) The Mississippi River
    • C) The Colorado River
    Answer: A) The St. Marys River
• Part_number: 2
  Text:

  The history behind this tall building is quite interesting. It was constructed in 1968 by the local Catholic Church. Originally, it was called the Shrine of the Missionaries. The church wanted to build a large complex with a lively community center and a brand new church building. They built the tower to honor the early religious missionaries who traveled to the area hundreds of years ago. However, the church did not have enough money to finish the whole project. In 1980, they donated the structure to a historical society, and it was quickly renamed the Tower of History to attract more tourists.

  Vocabulary_explanations

  Constructed: Built or put together.

  Originally: In the beginning; at first.

  Complex: A group of buildings located together.

  Honor: To show great respect for someone.

  Religious: Related to religion or a church.

  Donated: Given away for free to help a person or organization.

  Structure: A building or something that has been built.

  Society: An organization or club formed for a particular purpose.

  Tourists: People who travel and visit places for fun.
  Questions:

  • Question: Who originally built the Tower of History?
    Options:

    • A) The local government
    • B) A historical society
    • C) The Catholic Church
    Answer: C) The Catholic Church
  • Question: The tower was originally called the Shrine of the Missionaries.
    Options:

    • True
    • False
    Answer: True
  • Question: Why was the tower renamed?
    Options:

    • A) The church did not like the old name
    • B) To attract more tourists
    • C) Because the building was sold
    Answer: B) To attract more tourists
• Part_number: 3
  Text:

  So, how do you get to the top? If you are feeling energetic, you can climb the stairs. There are 292 stairs to reach the viewing areas! But do not worry, you do not have to walk. The tower features a fast express elevator that whisks you to the top in just 45 seconds. The building has a very unique, modern style. It consists of three tall, vertical columns that support the observation platforms. At the top, there are both glassed-in areas and open-air decks. This means you can comfortably enjoy the view even if the weather outside is raining or windy.

  Vocabulary_explanations

  Energetic: Having a lot of energy and wanting to be active.

  Express: Moving very fast without stopping.

  Whisks: Moves someone or something very quickly.

  Unique: Very special or unusual; not like anything else.

  Consists: Is made of or contains.

  Vertical: Standing straight up and down.

  Platforms: Flat areas that are raised above the ground.

  Open-air: Located outside; not covered by a roof or walls.
  Questions:

  • Question: How many stairs does the tower have?
    Options:

    • A) 100
    • B) 292
    • C) 500
    Answer: B) 292
  • Question: The elevator takes 5 minutes to reach the top.
    Options:

    • True
    • False
    Answer: False
  • Question: What kind of observation decks are at the top?
    Options:

    • A) Only open-air
    • B) Only glassed-in
    • C) Both open-air and glassed-in
    Answer: C) Both open-air and glassed-in
• Part_number: 4
  Text:

  Before or after you go to the top, you should explore the bottom. The subterranean, or lower, level of the tower is home to a wonderful mini-museum. While the tower still honors the early missionaries, the museum's scope has widened over the years. Today, it features interesting exhibits about local history. There is also a special showcase of Native American artifacts and culture, especially focusing on the Ojibwe people who have lived in the region for a very long time. Visitors can even watch a short video presentation to learn more about the early origins of the city.

  Vocabulary_explanations

  Subterranean: Under the ground or at the lowest level.

  Mini-museum: A very small building or room that shows historical objects.

  Scope: The range of things that a subject deals with.

  Widened: Made larger or broader.

  Exhibits: Objects or collections shown for people to look at.

  Showcase: A display that highlights the best features of something.

  Artifacts: Historical objects made by people in the past.

  Origins: The beginning or cause of something.
  Questions:

  • Question: Where is the mini-museum located?
    Options:

    • A) On the very top floor
    • B) On the subterranean, or lower, level
    • C) Outside in the park
    Answer: B) On the subterranean, or lower, level
  • Question: The museum only has information about early missionaries.
    Options:

    • True
    • False
    Answer: False
  • Question: Which Native American group is specifically focused on in the exhibits?
    Options:

    • A) The Navajo
    • B) The Cherokee
    • C) The Ojibwe
    Answer: C) The Ojibwe
• Part_number: 5
  Text:

  The Tower of History is a popular attraction, but it is not open all year. Because winters in Michigan can be very cold and snowy, the tower usually welcomes guests from mid-May through mid-October. It is a fantastic place for families and photography buffs. From the high viewing platforms, you can use telescopes to spot giant cargo ships passing through the famous Soo Locks. Many people buy a combination ticket that lets them visit the tower and the nearby Museum Ship Valley Camp. If you visit Sault Ste. Marie, this soaring landmark is an unforgettable experience!

  Vocabulary_explanations

  Popular: Liked or enjoyed by many people.

  Attraction: A place that people visit for interest or fun.

  Welcomes: Greets or receives guests in a friendly way.

  Buffs: People who know a lot about a subject and enjoy it very much.

  Telescopes: Instruments used to look at things that are very far away.

  Cargo: Goods or products carried by a large ship or truck.

  Combination: Two or more things joined or mixed together.

  Soaring: Rising very high into the sky.
  Questions:

  • Question: The Tower of History is open every day of the year.
    Options:

    • True
    • False
    Answer: False
  • Question: What can you use telescopes to look at from the tower?
    Options:

    • A) Airplanes
    • B) Giant cargo ships in the Soo Locks
    • C) Wild bears in the forest
    Answer: B) Giant cargo ships in the Soo Locks
  • Question: What other attraction is often visited with a combination ticket?
    Options:

    • A) Museum Ship Valley Camp
    • B) The City Zoo
    • C) The Art Museum
    Answer: A) Museum Ship Valley Camp