“B” Shaft
By the end of the nineteenth century, copper mining along the Keweenaw had come of age. No longer a rugged and remote frontier spotted by temporary mining camps, the Copper Country had matured into a civilized and highly prosperous land. The struggling boom or bust mining companies of the past had been replaced by stable, productive, and dominant players like C&H and Quincy who had great sway over its workforce and communities. But these civilized lands and the copper mines that controlled them were concentrated north of the Portage canal; to the south lay relatively untapped (and highly rich in copper) resources. But by 1901 this southern range would give birth to another great copper mine - the Copper Range.
The Champion Dry
Before the advent of air-powered drills, mining was a much more laborious and physically demanding job. (although even with the modern drills it was no walk in the park). Using heavy sledgehammers, two-person mining teams would take turns banging away at bits held by hand. By the end of a shift these workers would be dripping in sweat, and their clothes would be completely soaked.
Up Close & Personal
It was an amazing site - that first glimpse of the dry house sitting up on the hillside. Mostly engulfed by trees and brush, its striking front entrance quickly garnered our attention. It looked rather stately, given it has outlived its usefulness by a good half century. Like some Inca ruin deep in the South American jungle - this shadow of industrial America serves to remind those who stumble upon it that a thriving civilization once existed here. A civilization built not with 1’s and 0’s but with sweat and blood of men.
Steam Pipes
Sitting just outside of “C” shaft along a overgrown ridge lies this interesting discovery. It looked to be a large pipe suspended up in the air by a series of metal frames. Upon closer inspection we found out that it was in fact two pipes (a large one and a smaller one running alongside) and that the pipes exited the hillside through a small concrete tunnel. After running only a short distance up in the air, the pipes then take a sharp turn straight down into the ground where they disappear.
“C” Shaft
Leaving the steam pipes behind and walking out of the trees we found ourselves standing below the high tower of another shaft - this one the “C” shaft. Identical to “B” shaft in life, she is also identical in death. The same sandstone foundation capped by the same four story concrete pillar. Unlike “B” shaft however, this ruin appeared to be much more overgrown and is tough to find when your not right on top of it.