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Franklin Mine, Michigan
Franklin Mine, Michigan is located in Michigan
Franklin Mine, Michigan
Franklin Mine, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Country United States
State Michigan
County Houghton
Township Franklin and Quincy
Elevation
1,184 ft (361 m)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code(s)
49930 (Hancock)
Area code(s) 906
GNIS feature ID 626416

Franklin Mine is a small unincorporated community in Houghton County, Michigan, United States. An unincorporated community is a place that does not have its own local government. It is usually part of a larger township or county.

This community is located on Quincy Hill, which is northeast of Hancock. It lies partly within Quincy Township and partly within Franklin Township. Franklin Mine is found at 47°08′24″N 88°34′24″W / 47.14000°N 88.57333°W / 47.14000; -88.57333 and gets its name from a nearby mine.

History of Franklin Mine Community

The community of Franklin Mine grew up around the Franklin Mine itself. This mine was an important part of the copper mining boom in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Many towns in this area were created because of mining.

Early Mining Days

The Franklin Mine began operating in the mid-1800s. It was one of many mines that dug for copper in the region. Copper was a very valuable metal at the time. It was used for many things, like wires and coins.

Miners came from all over the world to work here. They built homes and businesses near the mine. This is how the community of Franklin Mine started to form. It provided housing and services for the mine workers and their families.

Life in a Mining Town

Life in a mining community like Franklin Mine was often busy. The mine was the main employer for most people. Families lived close to each other. They shared a common way of life centered around the mining industry.

  • Work: Miners worked long hours underground. They extracted copper ore from the earth.
  • Community: The community had stores, schools, and churches. These places supported the families living there.
  • Growth: As the mine grew, so did the community. More people moved in, and more buildings were constructed.

Decline of Mining

Over time, copper mining became less profitable in the region. Many mines, including Franklin Mine, eventually closed down. This led to a decrease in the population of the community.

Even though the mine is no longer active, the community still exists. It stands as a reminder of Michigan's rich mining history. Many of the old mining towns in the Upper Peninsula have a similar story.

Geography and Location

Franklin Mine is situated in a hilly area of Houghton County. This region is known for its beautiful natural landscapes. It has many forests and lakes.

Quincy Hill Area

The community is specifically located on Quincy Hill. This hill is famous for its views and its connection to other historic mines. The land around Franklin Mine is part of the larger Keweenaw Peninsula. This peninsula extends into Lake Superior.

Nearby Towns and Features

Franklin Mine is close to several other towns. The city of Hancock is just to its southwest. Houghton is also nearby, across the Portage Canal. These larger towns offer more services and attractions.

The area is known for its cold, snowy winters. Summers are generally mild and pleasant. This makes the region popular for outdoor activities.

Modern Day Franklin Mine

Today, Franklin Mine is a quiet residential area. It is no longer a bustling mining town. People who live there enjoy the peaceful surroundings. They also appreciate the area's history.

Many visitors come to Houghton County to explore its mining heritage. They can visit old mine sites and museums. Franklin Mine is a small part of this larger historical landscape.

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