History of Mining on the Gogebic and Penokee Range

Four Sessions, October 3rd, 10th, and 17th at the Iron County Historical Museum, 3:30PM to 5:30p.m. Field Trip on the 24th, 2:00-5:00p.m.

If you can’t make it to the field trip, please note that a map will be provided for a self-guided tour.

Session 1

• • The historical context of iron mining in the great lakes area and especially along Lake Superior.
  • The discovery of rich deposits of hematite near what is now Bessemer, Michigan.  Why were they looking there?
  • The geology of the South shore of Lake Superior and why iron is so prevalent there.  Types of ore extant and mining methods.
  • Early mines, speculation, the “Iron Rush” and collapse of prices and ventures.
  • The early investors.  Where did the money come from and go to?
  • The incredible pace of technological development in mining and shipping.

Session 2

• • Introduction and tour of the mining museum in the old Iron County court house.
  • The glory years, the successful mines and the economic rise of Hurley and Ironwood.
  • Some details of the major mines and failed enterprises.

Session 3

• • Miners’ lives.  Danger, death, disease and disaster in the Range.  Silicosis, collapse, carelessness.
  • The rise of labor unions.
  • The end of the iron mining era.  Why did mines close?  What ores are left and can they be retrieved?
  • The sociological effects of boom and bust on Superior’s south shore.  Where did all the money go?
  • Take home a complimentary pasty to sample miners’ food.

Session 4 – Field Trip

• • A tour of mine and processing sites from Ramsay, MI to Iron Belt, WI.

Instructors: Richard Thiede and Paul Sturgul

Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.

Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-0201 or (715) 892-3982.