Mandan, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mandan, Michigan
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 Mandan, Michigan
Location in Michigan
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Keweenaw |
| Township | Grant |
| Elevation | 1,079 ft (329 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
49918 (Copper Harbor)
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| Area code(s) | 906 |
| GNIS feature ID | 631377 |
Mandan is a fascinating place in Michigan, known as a "ghost town." It's located in Keweenaw County, within Grant Township, right along U.S. Route 41. This old town is about twelve miles south of Copper Harbor.
Mandan was once a busy mining community. It was home to two important copper mines, the Mandan Mine and the Medora Mine. These mines started operating in 1864. They worked on and off until 1909, when they were finally closed down. The town was also connected by the Keweenaw Central Railroad, which was very important for moving copper and supplies.
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Mandan: A Michigan Ghost Town
Mandan is called a ghost town because it's mostly deserted now. Once, it was a lively place where miners and their families lived and worked. When the mines closed, most people moved away to find new jobs.
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place that used to be a town or city but is now empty. This often happens when the main reason for the town's existence, like a mine or a factory, closes down. People leave, and buildings are left behind.
Mining in Mandan
The main reason Mandan existed was for copper mining. Copper was a very important metal, used for many things like wires and pipes. The Mandan Mine and the Medora Mine were key to the town's life.
Miners worked hard to dig copper from the ground. These mines were active for many years, starting in 1864. They helped supply copper for different uses across the country. However, by 1909, the mines were no longer profitable, and they closed.
The Keweenaw Central Railroad
The Keweenaw Central Railroad played a big role in Mandan. Railroads were vital for mining towns. They transported the mined copper to other places. They also brought in supplies and new people.
When the mines closed, the need for the railroad in Mandan also ended. This made it even harder for the town to survive. The railroad helped connect Mandan to the rest of Michigan.
Mandan Today
Today, Mandan is a quiet reminder of Michigan's mining past. Not much is left of the original town. It stands as a historical site, showing how towns grew and faded with the mining industry.
It's a place where you can imagine what life was like for the miners. It tells a story of hard work and the changing times in the Upper Peninsula.
