Ironwood City Hall

a.k.a. Ironwood Fire Hall and Police Station

McLeod Ave. and Norfolk St., Ironwood, MI
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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The first known use of the word "Yooper" to refer to someone from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was in the 1970s. The term has since become a popular nickname for residents of the UP.
Gogebic County, MI is located in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the ancient Native American tribes, particularly the Ojibwa and Ottawa, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for sustenance and trade.

The first European settlers arrived in the area in the mid-19th century, drawn by the discovery of valuable iron ore deposits. The development of the iron mining industry quickly transformed the landscape and led to a rapid influx of immigrants, primarily from Finland, Sweden, and other European countries. These settlers established numerous mining communities such as Ironwood, Bessemer, and Wakefield, which became key economic centers.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Gogebic County experienced a period of unprecedented prosperity as iron ore mining boomed. The region's iron mines played a vital role in supplying the raw materials needed for the industrial development of the United States. However, this prosperity was not without challenges, as labor disputes and economic fluctuations affected the mining industry and the communities dependent on it.

Today, Gogebic County remains strongly connected to its mining heritage, with remnants of old mine shafts and other industrial sites still visible in the landscape. The area has also diversified its economy, embracing tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, hunting, and skiing. Gogebic County continues to honor its history and heritage through museums, local festivals, and cultural events that celebrate the accomplishments and hardships of the early settlers and the growth of the county.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Gogebic County, Michigan.

  • 1831: Treaty of Washington opens the area to settlement
  • 1845: Gogebic County is established
  • 1884: Iron ore is discovered, leading to a mining boom
  • 1896: Gogebic County becomes the largest iron ore producer in Michigan
  • 1930s: The mining industry declines due to decreased demand and the Great Depression
  • 1987: Copper Peak, a ski flying hill, is opened
  • 1995: Flambeau Mine, the last operating mine in Gogebic County, shuts down
  • 2002: The Iron Belle Trail, a hiking and biking trail, is established
  • 2016: Gogebic County celebrates its 171st anniversary