parks
Algonac's legacy: How a Michigan town helped launch recreational power boating in America
By Peter Maxwell at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· June 19, 2026
· 3 min read
The roar of an engine across the water is a familiar sound today but more than a century ago, it was something entirely new, and it was built right here in southeast Michigan. Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: How a Michigan town helped launch recreational power boating in AmericaThe sights an...
Key takeaway It began in 1874 with a young boat builder named Christopher Smith.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The legacy of Algonac's contributions to recreational power boating has a lasting impact on the local economy, particularly in communities like St. Clair Shores. With 7 marinas and over 2,700 boat slips, boating remains a significant part of the area's economic fabric. The industry's multi-billion-dollar influence is felt beyond just boat sales, with ancillary businesses like marinas, repair shops, and boat clubs supporting local jobs and growth. As the Freedom Boat Club's model shows, making boating more accessible can attract new enthusiasts, further boosting the local economy. For residents like the Ritchlin family, boating is a way to spend quality time together, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting access to Lake St. Clair's waters. As the region continues to develop, it's crucial to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and responsible management of the lake's resources to ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital industry.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The roar of an engine across the water is a familiar sound today but more than a century ago, it was something entirely new, and it was built right here in southeast Michigan. Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: How a Michigan town helped launch recreational power boating in AmericaThe sights an...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Peter Maxwell at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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