George Catlin described this painting as “a view of the Sault de St. Marys, taken from the Canada shore, near the missionary-house, which is seen in the fore-ground of the picture, and in the distance, the United States Garrison, and the Rapids; and beyond them the Capes at the outlet of Lake Superior.” (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 2, no. 54, 1841; reprint 1973)