How did the grand portage get its name?

The Grand Portage got its name from the French term "grand portage," meaning "great carry." This refers to the significant overland route used by Indigenous peoples and later fur traders to transport canoes and goods around the challenging rapids and waterfalls of the Pigeon River in northeastern Minnesota. The portage was crucial for connecting Lake Superior to the inland fur trade routes, making it an essential hub during the fur trade era. Its historical importance has led to its preservation and recognition as a site of cultural significance.