Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is located within Lake Huron off the coast of Michigan. It includes 4,300 square miles of the lake and protects and manages close to 100 shipwrecks. These sites document the history of the Great Lakes over the last 200 years, as well as the evolution of shipbuilding in that time. There are wooden schooners, steel-hulled steamers, and more. The abundance of wrecks is due to the treacherous nature of Thunder Bay. It is known for unpredictable weather, rocky shoals, and more. All this has earned it the nickname “Shipwreck Alley.”
As of early 2022, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary was one of only two freshwater National Marine Sanctuaries in the system. It was established on October 7, 2000, and its main objective is to protect Great Lakes’ maritime history. The sanctuary is co-managed by the state of Michigan and includes the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center.
The cold waters of Lake Huron preserve shipwrecks in extremely good condition. Regulations have also been put in place to keep it that way. Seasonal mooring buoys must be used instead of anchors, and it is forbidden for artifacts to be removed from wrecks or for the wrecks to be otherwise disturbed. With this in mind, these pieces of history can continue to be enjoyed to the fullest.
Value: 63¢ 1-Ounce First-class Rate (Forever)
Issue Date: August 5, 2022
Printing Method: Offset
Format: Pane of 16
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