United States

Minong Mine Historic District

Copper mine and prehistoric pit site, Isle Royale, USA

Location

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Historical Context

About

The Minong Mine is a historic mine site located west of McCargoe Cove campground on Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, United States. The district contains both the remnants of a 19th-century copper mine and remains of pre-contact mining activity. Pre-contact archeological sited in the district include a Late Archaic copper mining pit site designated 20KE24 and a nearby site designated 20KE73. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 2021.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Explorers find prehistoric pits

1871

Minong prospectors stake claims

1872

Notable copper finds

1874–1879

Minong Mining Company organized

1874

Mining operation active

1875

Stamp mill constructed

1876

Company reorganization

1879

Operations suspended

June 1883

Mine abandoned

1885

Prehistoric copper mining begins

c. 4500 years ago

Listed on National Register of Historic Places

1977

Designated a National Historic Landmark

2021

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Water Management Features

Dams
category

Industrial and Craft Structures

MinesShaftsStamp MillsSmithiesOre CartsTailingsWorkshops
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Landscaped EarthworksMining Pits
category

Transportation and Communication Structures

TrackwaysQuays
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

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Plan Your Visit

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Reference

Details

Country

United States

Coordinates

48.08° N, -88.73° E