MILWAUKEE — Queen Elizabeth II died at 96-years-old on Thursday, Buckingham Palace confirmed.

Pomp and circumstance and a flourish by Marine Corps band greet Queen Elizabeth II, July 6, 1959 at the entrance to Chicago's International Trade Fair. This was one of sites the Queen visited during an all-day tour of city. (AP Photo/J. Walter Green)

Her 70-year reign was complete with many visits to the United States and meetings with 13 of 14 presiding U.S. presidents. In 1959, that included a 45-day, 15,000 mile tour of the Canadian provinces and cruises on the Great Lakes, complete with a sail-by of Milwaukee.

On July 6, 1959, Queen Elizabeth II arrived in Chicago, marking the first time a reigning British monarch visited the city. It was the only U.S. stop over the 45 days for her and her husband, Prince Philip. The royals’ day included a tour of the city, a ceremonial opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway and a dinner at the Hilton Hotel.

After a full day, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip boarded their royal yacht, Britannia, which, according to the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society, set sail just after midnight. The yacht was en route to Sault Ste. Marie, but made a detour to coast by Milwaukee.

On the morning of July 7, 1959, the Britannia and a number of royal escorts sailed along Lake Michigan’s Milwaukee shore for about a mile and three quarters.

The Coast Guard attempted to clear the waterway, but according to the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society, many small boats set sail to try and get a glimpse of the royals.

Milwaukee’s fireboat at the time, Deluge, launched 52 tons of water via 18 water cannons, offering a salute to Her Majesty, who was just 7 years into her reign. The water launch, the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society noted, looked like a rainbow over Britannia, reaching 185 feet into the sky.

Neither Queen Elizabeth II nor Prince Philip made an appearance when sailing by Milwaukee, but the half hour detour gave Wisconsinites a memorable summer sight.