Industrial Mining in the Copper Country

A Calumet Century: 1865-1965

Calumet's story mirrors the nation's rapid industrial expansion following the Civil War, the influx of the world's "teeming masses...yearning to break free," and the inevitable decline of a single-industry town. The timeline below outlines the pivotal moments in Calumet's history that express timeless issues.

 

Historic Calumet in Full Color

Left image
Credit: Library of Congress, Detroit Publishing Co, 1907

Right image
Credit: Library of Congress, Detroit Publishing Co, 1907, Colorized in 2020. NPS

 

1861

Demand for copper during the Civil War drives up the average annual price of copper to about 46 cents per pound, bringing a temporary boom and lasting European American settlement to the Keweenaw.

 

1870

With a foreign-born population approaching 60 percent, Houghton County ranks as the country's thrid most ethnically diverse county. Within a decade, American-born residents hold a slim majority.

 

1879

As the Industrial Age unfolds, new technologies such as power drills and nitroglycerin explosives make mining more efficient.

 

Ellis Island Immigration Museum in New York

NPS Photo

1892

Ellis Island opens as a point of entry for European immigrants. Eight years later, Angel Island in San Francisco Bay recieves its first Asian immigrants.

 

1895

Copper prices tumble to about 10 cents per pound and greater competition from western mines places additional pressure on Michigan's mines.

 

1910

The population of the immediate Calumet area peaks at about 40,000 people.

 

1913 Strike Parade; historical photo overlaid onto a present day photo

NPGallery

1913-1914

The copper miners' strike halts production, attracts national attention, and bankrupts the Western Federation of Mines (WFM).

 

1918

In response to wartime demands, copper prices jump to nearly 30 cents per pound during World War I, later falling to less than 10 cents a pound during the Great Depression.

 

1920

At midnight on January 31st, the country enters a decade of Prohibition, during which the sale and transport of liquor is banned. Seven months later, women receive the right to vote. A severe recession signals long-term economic decline.

 

1929

The Village of Red Jacket officially changes its name to the Village of Calumet.

 

1934

During the Great Depression, nearly 40 percent of Houghton County's families and 70 percent of Keweenaw County's families receive government relief, compared to a state average of only 12 percent.

 

1938

The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes a national minimum wage, guarantees time and a half for overtime in certain jobs, and prohibits most employment of minors in "opppressive child labor."

 

1939

C&H shuts down mining on the Calumet Conglomerate lode.

 

1940

Houghton County has lost 46 percent of its population (46,000 people) since 1910.

 

1945

Quincy, the oldest local active mine, stops mining after a government contract expires, but receives a federal loan to reclaim stamp sands in Torch Lake. Soon, only C&H and Copper Ranger are mining underground.

 

1955

As the Korean War increases demand for copper, Copper Range reopens the White Pine Mine, aided by a federal construction loan. White Pine produces 4.4 billion pounds of copper in the next 40 years.

 

1968

Universal Oil Products purchases C&H. After employees strike, the mines close the following year.

 

1986

The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes the need to addess the mine tailings and associated environmental damage in the Keweenaw. This begins a lengthy cleanup process.

 

1992

On October 27th, President George H.W. Bush signs Public Law 102-543, establishing Keweenaw National Historical Park.

 

1997

The White Pine Mine in Ontonagon County closes the last industrial copper mine on the Keweenaw.