Mining Company: Jackson Mining Company, Negaunee, MI

The Jackson Iron Company was formed to explore for minerals on July 23, 1845. They constructed the small camp of six log houses and a barn which marked the beginning of Negaunee. The first iron ore from the Jackson pit was vested in a forge with charcoal fire. Mr. Brotherton recalled an account of a trip to Negaunee made by his uncle, Henry Brotherton, and Henry Van Dyke in 1853. The two travelers spent a night in a small cabin at the Carp River Forge. It was in this same house that Barbara Koehler was born on October 4, 1855 and thus became the first person born in Negaunee.

The Plank Road was completed on November 1, 1855 and iron ore was carried over it from Negaunee to Marquette in
four-wheel wooden carts drawn by mules. The road was replaced by a primitive railroad in 1857. Light iron rails were used. In 1864, the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad track was completed between Negaunee and Escanaba. [NHS-2014-03]