Central Mine Historic District facts for kids
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Central Mine Historic District
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Street scene
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | Houghton Township, Keweenaw County, near Eagle River, Michigan |
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| NRHP reference No. | 74000991 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 28, 1974 |
The Central Mine Historic District is a special historical area in Upper Michigan. It is located near US 41. This district protects the remains of an old mining town. The mine itself was recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1958. The entire surrounding area became a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means it is a very important place in American history.
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What is the Central Mine Historic District?
The Central Mine Historic District shows what is left of the old mining town called Central. Most of the town is now empty. There were once about 130 buildings here. Today, only around 20 wooden buildings remain. You can also see scattered ruins of other structures.
Most of the buildings that are still standing are two-story houses. These were homes for the mining company workers. They have strong stone foundations and sloped roofs. Many also have porches and small additions. The district also includes the Central Mine Methodist Church. This church is very well kept and looks almost exactly as it did long ago.
History of the Central Mine
How the Mine Started
In 1854, a man named John Shawson found something amazing. He was working for another mine nearby. He discovered natural copper at the bottom of an old pit. This pit was likely dug by Native Americans a very long time ago. Because of this discovery, the Central Mining Company was formed in 1854. Their goal was to dig for copper in the Keweenaw area.
Mining began at Central Mine in 1856. The copper found here was very rich. The company actually made a profit in its very first year of mining! This was quite unusual for new mines.
Growth of the Mining Town
Between 1856 and the late 1800s, the company built many structures. They built over 130 buildings for the mine and the people who worked there. At its busiest time in 1868, the town of Central was home to over 1,300 people. Most of these people were immigrants from Cornwall, England. They came to America to find work in the mines.
The Mine's Closing
Over time, the mining industry started to slow down. By 1887, Central Mine was the only working mine left in Keweenaw County. In 1898, the mine finally stopped operating. People began to leave the town to find work elsewhere. The very last person who lived there all year round left in 1952. However, some of the old buildings are still used today. People use them as summer cottages.
Visiting Central Mine and Village
The Keweenaw County Historical Society now owns 38 acres of the old Central Mine site. They run the Central Mine Visitor Center. This center has exhibits that teach you about the mine and the village. You can visit some of the old homes, and others are being fixed up. It's a great place to learn about Michigan's mining past.
