Thesis
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald's story is a showcase of man-made glory, followed by mother nature's destructive rebuttal. Her story is an age old epic tale of the wit and ingenuity of man vs the relentless strength of nature. Mighty Fitz entered the world triumphantly on top, and tragically left it 535 feet below, killing 29, but saving countless others through the reform that would follow. The Edmund Fitzgerald shaped Great Lakes history by becoming the longest vessel on the Lakes at her launch in 1958, and became legendary when in 1975, she became the largest vessel lost in their cruel, icy waters.