Bruce Mine Headframe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bruce Mine Headframe
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The Bruce Mine Headframe viewed from the Mesabi Trail
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | off U.S. Highway 169, Chisholm, Minnesota |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1925–26 |
| Built by | International Harvester |
| NRHP reference No. | 78003124 |
| Added to NRHP | November 28, 1978 |
The Bruce Mine Headframe is a tall structure that stands over an old underground mine in Chisholm, Minnesota. It was built almost 100 years ago, between 1925 and 1926. This headframe was used until the mine closed in the early 1940s.
Today, the Bruce Mine Headframe is very important because it is the last one of its kind left on the Mesabi Range. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its special engineering history.
What is a Mine Headframe?
A headframe is a large building or frame built right above the entrance to an underground mine. It holds the machinery that lifts and lowers miners and equipment into the mine. It also brings out the ore (rock with valuable minerals) from deep underground.
The Bruce Mine Headframe was a key part of the Bruce Mine's operations. It helped move people and materials safely in and out of the mine shaft.
Why is the Bruce Mine Headframe Special?
Most other headframes on the Mesabi Range were taken down over time. This happened because a new way of mining, called open-pit mining, became more popular. Open-pit mining digs huge holes from the surface, so underground mines and their headframes were no longer needed.
Because of this, the Bruce Mine Headframe is a rare example of the older mining methods. It shows us how mining was done in the past. It is a reminder of the hard work and engineering skills used in underground mining.
Location and Future Plans
The Bruce Mine Headframe is located right next to the Mesabi Trail. This trail is a popular path for biking and walking.
A local group called the Chisholm Beautification Association is working to create a park around the headframe. They started this project in 2018. This park will help protect the headframe and teach people about its history. It will also be a nice place for visitors to enjoy.
