National Register Listings in Iron County, Michigan
Alpha Public Buildings Historic Complex
Amasa Historic Business District
Bethany Lutheran Church
Bewabic Park
Bowers, Joseph, House
Byers, Isaac W., House
Camp Gibbs
Caspian Community Center
Caspian Mine Headframe
Central School
Chicago, Milwaukee and Saint Paul Railway Iron River Depot
Chicagon Mine Road-Chicagon Creek Bridge
Cloverland Hotel
Cole, Frank W., House
Cooks Run Trout Feeding Station
Courthouse Residential Historic District
Crystal Falls Dam and Power Plant
Crystal Inn
Diele, Ernest, House
Dober Mining Company House
Ericson, Rudolf, House
Falls Location Historic District
Finnish and Swedish Mercantile Association Building
First National Bank Building
Fisher, Nelson E., House-High Banks
Forest Route 157-Tamarack River Bridge
Frailing, Henry H., House
Haggerty, Dennis J., House
Hamilton, George, House
Hane, Gottfried, House
Hanna, M.A., Company Michigan District Superintendent's House
Hanson, John W., House
Harris, Joseph, House
Harte, H.W., Block-Chrystal Falls Village Hall
Hasselstrom, John, House
Hiawatha Mine Number One Complex
Holmes, Nels A., Farmstead
House at 902 Selden Road
Huse, Frank C., House
Iron County Courthouse
Iron County Fair Exhibition Hall
Iron River Creamery
Iron River Town Hall
Italian Society Duke of Abruzzi Hall
Jacobson, Jacob, House
James Mine Historic District
Joseph, Joseph, House
Levine, Louis, House
Lincoln School
MacKinnon, Alexander, House
MacKinnon, Donald C., House
Mansfield Mine Location Historic District
Mansfield Road-Michigamme River Bridge
McLean, John S., House
McQuown, Lafayette, House
Moss, William, House
Munro-M.A. Hanna Mining Company Office Building
Murphy, Timothy, House
Park City Historic District
Parks, John H., Company-Wills Hardware Building
Rau, Herman, House
Ross, David M., House
Royce, Steven, House
Russell, William, House
Scalcucci's Grocery
Soderman, John, Farmhouse
Spies Boardinghouse
St. Mary's Assumption Catholic Church
Stolberg, Charles, House
Sturgeon, Robert H., House
Swanson, John, House
Triangle Ranch Headquarters Historic District
Tully, William J., House
US 2-Iron River Bridge
Van Ornum's Addition Historic District
Van Platen-Fox Lumber Camp Historic Complex
Van Wagner, Harvey, House
Wall-Seppanen House
Windsor, Joseph, House
About Iron County
Iron County Timeline
Iron County, MI, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The region was originally inhabited by the Ojibwa Native American tribe, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for hunting and fishing.
The discovery of iron ore deposits in the region in the 1840s marked a significant turning point for Iron County. The first iron mine, named the Carp River Forge, was established in 1848, attracting miners from all over the country. This led to the rapid development of mining towns like Iron River, Crystal Falls, and Stambaugh, which became crucial centers for iron and timber industries.
In the late 1800s, Iron County experienced a boom in population and economic growth. The mining industry continued to expand, and numerous mines were established, including the famous Chapin Mine, which became one of the largest iron mines in the county. Supporting industries, such as lumbering and logging, also flourished, supplying the necessary resources for mine operations.
However, the prosperity of Iron County's mining and timber industries dwindled in the 20th century. The closure of many mines and the depletion of timber resources led to a decline in employment opportunities and population. Efforts were made to diversify the local economy, with tourism and recreational activities gaining significance. The county's beautiful natural landscapes, including lakes, forests, and waterfalls, attracted visitors seeking outdoor adventures.
Today, Iron County continues to cherish its mining heritage while embracing the opportunities brought by tourism and outdoor recreation. Historical sites and museums offer a glimpse into the county's past, and natural attractions invite visitors to explore the stunning wilderness of the region. Though impacted by economic shifts, Iron County retains a unique identity shaped by its iron mining legacy and the resilience of its community.
The discovery of iron ore deposits in the region in the 1840s marked a significant turning point for Iron County. The first iron mine, named the Carp River Forge, was established in 1848, attracting miners from all over the country. This led to the rapid development of mining towns like Iron River, Crystal Falls, and Stambaugh, which became crucial centers for iron and timber industries.
In the late 1800s, Iron County experienced a boom in population and economic growth. The mining industry continued to expand, and numerous mines were established, including the famous Chapin Mine, which became one of the largest iron mines in the county. Supporting industries, such as lumbering and logging, also flourished, supplying the necessary resources for mine operations.
However, the prosperity of Iron County's mining and timber industries dwindled in the 20th century. The closure of many mines and the depletion of timber resources led to a decline in employment opportunities and population. Efforts were made to diversify the local economy, with tourism and recreational activities gaining significance. The county's beautiful natural landscapes, including lakes, forests, and waterfalls, attracted visitors seeking outdoor adventures.
Today, Iron County continues to cherish its mining heritage while embracing the opportunities brought by tourism and outdoor recreation. Historical sites and museums offer a glimpse into the county's past, and natural attractions invite visitors to explore the stunning wilderness of the region. Though impacted by economic shifts, Iron County retains a unique identity shaped by its iron mining legacy and the resilience of its community.
Iron County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Iron County, Michigan.
- 1600s: Native American tribes, including the Ojibwa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi, inhabit the area that will later become Iron County, MI.
- 1830s: European settlers begin to arrive in the region and establish fur trading posts.
- 1840s: The present-day Iron County is part of a larger territory known as Ontonagon County.
- 1871: Iron County is officially established, with Crystal Falls as its county seat.
- 1880s-1890s: The discovery of iron ore deposits leads to rapid growth and development in Iron County.
- 1900s: Iron mining continues to be the primary industry in the county, attracting more settlers and immigrants to the area.
- 1915: The Michigan-Wisconsin Power Company constructs hydroelectric dams on the Paint and Michigamme Rivers, providing electricity to Iron County.
- 1930s: The Great Depression causes a decline in iron mining operations, leading to economic challenges for the county.
- 1950s-1960s: Iron County experiences a resurgence in mining activities with the expansion of existing mines and the opening of new ones.
- 1980s-1990s: The decline of the domestic steel industry results in a decrease in iron mining operations and a loss of jobs in Iron County.
- 2000s: The county focuses on diversifying its economy by promoting tourism, recreation, and small-scale industries.