A SHORT HISTORY...

The DELAWARE MINE operated from 1847 until 1887, making it one of the original mines in the area. Since it was a Cornish mine (most of its workers coming from Cornwall, England and having a mining background), the DELAWARE miners no doubt helped introduce the Cornish Pasty to the Upper Peninsula.
Newspaper magnate Horace Greeley was one of the original investors in the DELAWARE. When he said those famous, often quoted words, "Go West, young man," he was actually referring to the Keweenaw Peninsula, which was the undeveloped west at that time, and was the land of opportunity for young men and immigrants seeking their fortunes. This was the home of the first major mining boom in the United States, starting in 1843, and reaped more profits than the famous Gold Rush of 1849.
Although 8 million pounds of copper were extracted from the DELAWARE, it was not a financial success, but it did provide the miners with a good living for 40 years.
Ask about viewing our prehistoric mining pit!
Newspaper magnate Horace Greeley was one of the original investors in the DELAWARE. When he said those famous, often quoted words, "Go West, young man," he was actually referring to the Keweenaw Peninsula, which was the undeveloped west at that time, and was the land of opportunity for young men and immigrants seeking their fortunes. This was the home of the first major mining boom in the United States, starting in 1843, and reaped more profits than the famous Gold Rush of 1849.
Although 8 million pounds of copper were extracted from the DELAWARE, it was not a financial success, but it did provide the miners with a good living for 40 years.
Ask about viewing our prehistoric mining pit!