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Keweenaw National Historical ParkThe heavy snowfalls on the Keweenaw Penisula required the use of the Russell Snow Plow to keep the railroads to mines open. NPS Photo.
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Keweenaw National Historical Park
Stories
 
<img src="/all/20080224232038im_/http://www.nps.gov/kewe/historyculture/images/Miners-underground.jpg" width="415" height="200" alt=""/>
 
While the central focus of Keweenaw National Historical Park revolves around history of the region's copper mining industry, the reach of the copper resources and the industry extended far beyond the mines and workers.

The park and the Keweenaw Heritage Sites explore five primary stories or themes connected to copper mining. As more resources, research and staffing become available, these stories will be further developed in publications, exhibits, guided programs and web pages.
 

Natural Resources
The natural environment of the Keweenaw Peninsula, including its geology, copper deposits, forested hills and surrounding waterways, shaped human settlement and copper mining operations which then altered the landscape.

Copper's Value
The changing uses and value of copper for people through time drove the interest and desire to acquire this metal.

Mining Processes and Technology through Time
People’s quest for copper from the Keweenaw Peninsula began as early as 7,000 years ago and illustrates changes from prehistoric surface collection to deep shaft, hard rock mining.

People, Companies and Communities
Copper mining framed the lives and livelihoods of people, companies and communities on the Keweenaw Peninsula. The peninsula’s place names, variety of ethnic and religious centers, and cultural traditions reflect its connection with people from across the globe.

Timeline of Michigan Copper Mining
Timeline of Michigan Copper Mining
learn about the history of copper mining on the Keweenaw Peninsula
more...
Visit MTU's Interior Ellis Island website
Visit MTU's Interior Ellis Island website
links to MTU Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections
more...
A small memorial park in Calumet, Michigan where the Italian Hall once stood is for the 74 people killed in a stampede on Dec. 24, 1913.  

Did You Know?
Woody Guthrie's song "1913 Massacre" brought attention to a tragedy that occurred in Calumet, Michigan on December 24, 1913 during a bitter copper miner's strike. Reports claim that a shout of fire caused panic at a party at the Italian Hall. 74 people died in the stampede down the steep stairway.

Last Updated: October 09, 2007 at 15:21 EST