Pioneer Mine facts for kids
The Pioneer Mine's surface structures viewed from the northeast
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| Location | |
|---|---|
 Pioneer Mine
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| Location | Vermilion Range |
| State | Minnesota |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 47°54′43″N 91°51′39″W / 47.91194°N 91.86083°W |
| Production | |
| Products | Iron ore |
| Type | Underground |
| Greatest depth | 1,700 feet (520 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1889 |
| Closed | 1967 |
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Pioneer Mine Buildings and "A" Headframe
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| Location | 401 N. Pioneer Road, Ely, Minnesota |
| Area | Less than one acre |
| NRHP reference No. | 78003127 |
| Added to NRHP | November 28, 1978 |
The Pioneer Mine was an important underground iron mine located in Ely, Minnesota, United States. It operated for many years, from 1889 to 1967. This mine is special because its buildings above ground are still standing today. Only one other mine on the Vermilion Range, called the Soudan Mine, also has its original surface structures.
The buildings and a tall structure called the "A" Headframe at the Pioneer Mine were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This means they are recognized as a special historic place. They are important because they show how mining was done in the past on the Vermilion Range.
What Was the Pioneer Mine?
The Pioneer Mine was a place where workers dug deep underground to find and remove iron ore. Iron ore is a rock that contains iron, which is used to make steel for buildings, cars, and many other things. The mine was located in a region known as the Vermilion Range in Minnesota.
How Deep Was the Mine?
The Pioneer Mine was an underground mine, meaning tunnels and shafts went deep into the earth. At its deepest point, the mine reached about 1,700 feet (518 meters) below the surface. That's like going down more than five football fields stacked on top of each other!
A Look at Its History
The Pioneer Mine began operating in 1889. For nearly 80 years, it was a busy place, providing jobs and iron ore. The mine finally closed its doors in 1967. Even though it's no longer active, its remaining buildings help us remember the history of mining in Minnesota.
Pioneer Mine Today
Today, the Pioneer Mine complex is being used in a new way. It is now home to the Ely Arts & Heritage Center. This center uses the old mine buildings for art exhibits, workshops, and other community events. It's a great example of how old buildings can be given a new purpose.
