Why was the Edmund Fitzgerald a legend long before its loss? What was it like to ride on the Great Lakes' largest vessel? We put the ship in historical context, explaining why ships like the Fitzgerald are crucial to American industry. You'll hear the story of the Fitzgerald family, learn about the ship's troubled launch, and hear how regulation changes may have contributed to the vessel's ultimate fate. Stories from the Edmund Fitzgerald's prime include a passenger's glowing review — and the time the ship was slapped with a speeding ticket!

Edmund Fitzgerald: 50 Years Under is produced by the Duluth News Tribune, a newspaper that covered the Fitz during its heyday and has remained close to this story ever since. Find features that go into even greater detail, with photos and video, at duluthnewstribune.com/edmundfitzgerald.

Written and narrated by Jay Gabler, with audio engineering by Wyatt Buckner and Dan Williamson. The audio of this episode was edited by Wyatt Buckner.

Our editors on this project are Katie Rohman and Barrett Chase, and our executive editor is Rick Lubbers. Original score composed by William Bruegemann. Newspaper archive excerpts were read by Teri Cadeau, Barrett Chase and Dan Williamson. Thanks to our guests on this episode: Elle Andra-Warner, Jay Austin, Tanner Johnson, Roger LeLievre, Bruce Lynn, Kaylee Matuszak, Paul Sabourin and Frederick Stonehouse.