Series: Copper Connections

Isle Royale and the Keweenaw Peninsula may appear unrelated, two distinct landmasses separated by the great expanse of Lake Superior. Yet this fresh, cold water connects them across the distance, while obscuring another way the two places are connected: a distinctive copper-rich geology, and the people who have mined the metal over time. Archaeology helps us understand the connections and people who have occupied this region for thousands of years.

• Article 1: Copper Connections Introduction

  

  Isle Royale and the Keweenaw Peninsula may appear unrelated, two distinct landmasses separated by the great expanse of Lake Superior. Yet this fresh, cold water connects them across the distance, while obscuring another way the two places are connected: a distinctive copper-rich geology, and the people who have mined the metal over time. Read more

• Article 2: Why Copper?

  

  What was it that first attracted people to become makers with copper? Read more

• Article 3: Lake Superior Geology

  

  The copper of the Great Lakes formed during a spectacular period in Earth's history. Read more

• Article 4: History Guides Archaeology

  

  History and archaeology go hand in hand. Read more

• Article 5: Indigenous Mining

  

  Research has indicated that Indigenous people may have been mining the Keweenaw’s copper deposits as early as 8,000 years ago and on Isle Royale as early as 6,500 years ago, making these two land masses home to some of the western hemisphere’s oldest mines. Read more

• Article 6: Industrial Mining

  

  Both the island and the peninsula have industrial copper mining pasts. Read more

• Article 7: Copper Connections Conclusion

  Who knew all these connections existed between Isle Royale and the Keweenaw? Archaeologists and historians have helped to reveal them. With your help in preserving these sites, there are sure to be many more yet to be uncovered. Read more