Friday, July 31, 2015

On this Date in Minnesota History: July 31

July 31, 1884 –From the Breitung pit of the Sudan Mine just north of [Soudan, Minn.,] the first commercial shipment of Minnesota iron ore was made by the Minnesota Iron Company [on this date], over the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad. This line had just been built by Charlemagne Tower and associates to open up the Vermillion Range.”

“Guide to historic markers erected by the State Highway Department cooperating with the Minnesota Historical Society”

http://search.ancestry.com/Browse/BookView.aspx?dbid=25816&iid=dvm_LocHist010819-00006-0&sid=&gskw=










A sign at the Soudan Mine tells about hand loading that first ore train in 1884. The text reads:

“Celebrating the First Iron Ore Shipment from Minnesota

Elisha Morcom (the mining superintendent) and his crew of 120 miners had worked hard (from their arrival in March) for this day. They spent long days hand drilling and hand stockpiling this new ore deposit. The railroad construction company worked all winter to bridge the gap through the wilderness between Lake Superior and the Soudan Mine.

The day is July 31, 1884; the railroad from Two Harbors had just been completed. Thomas Owen was at the throttle of the train as it pulled ten empty ore cars into the mine. The company declared a half day holiday and no one worked at the mine. All the townspeople joined together and loaded the ore cars by hand. The first shipment was 240 tons. Great speeches were presented and bright promises about the future success were made.

Imagine yourself helping to hand load that first ore train on July 31, 1884.”

A picture to the right of the text shows the Centennial reenactment of the first iron ore shipment.

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMFRG6_First_Iron_Ore_Shipment_Tower_MN



               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MHS records.  Both short searches and family history reports.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com ®  click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com 

 


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