Mine: Great Western Mine, Crystal Falls, MI

Began → Great Western Mine → Became

Operated for 43 years.

From: 1882

Location: E 1/2-SW and SW-SE Sec. 21 of T43N-R32W

Owned by: Iron Star Company; then Corrigan McKinney Steel Co. Acquired by Republic Steel Corp. in 1935. Lease surrendered in 1936.

Produced: Iron Ore, soft, reddish-brown, high phosphorus. Crushed.

Method: Underground, worked by stoping method. Depth: 1,250 feet.

Railroad connection: C&NW to Escanaba dock. MILW to their Escanaba dock via E&LS.

Until: 1925 (Mine last operated in 1910)

Lifetime Production: 2,296,739 tons between 1882-1925. [LSIO-1950]

Notes

The Great Western Mine, (also known as the Iron Star Mine) was worked between 1882 to 1910. It had 16 levels and three shafts. It also used the shaft of the neighboring Lincoln Mine. The mine was watery but was one of the most productive in the area. It was located in Crystal Falls.

Property description: E 1/2-SW and SW-SE Section 21, T43N-R32W which is the 80 acres between N46-6-5, N46-6-31, W88-18-55 and W88-19-14, and the 40 acres between N46-6-5, 46-6-18, W88-18-36 and W88-18-55.

One of the original seven mines in Crystal Falls in 1882.

Time Line

1890. V.K. Moore, of Detroit one of the leading members of the Iron Star Company, owner of the Great Western mine, was in the city this week. He discussed the probable successor of William Hooper, as superintendent of the mine but said that no appointment would be made for the present. [Editor note: Hooper was killed in an accident at the Great Eastern Mine. [DD-1890-0419]

1911. Although the mine is at present idle, considerable activity prevails on the surface. At this mine is located the general shops of the Corrigan, McKinney & Co. group, the general store house, and the general office. Hence, a fair force is kept continually engaged here. [LSMI-1911]