The Central Mine Historic District is a historic district located off US 41 in

Upper Michigan The Upper Peninsula of Michigan – also known as Upper Michigan or colloquially the U.P. – is the northern and more elevated of the Peninsulas of Michigan, two major landmasses that make up the U.S. state of Michigan; it is separated from t ...

. The mine itself was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1958, while the surrounding district was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973 and listed on the

National Register of Historic Places The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the United States federal government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance or "great artistic v ...

in 1974.

Description

The Central Mine Historic District covers the remains of the nearly abandoned mining town of Central. The district includes around 20 frame structures from an original 130, as well as scattered ruins.Central Mine Historic District
from the state of Michigan, retrieved 8/19/09 Most remaining structures are frame, two-story company houses on stone foundations. These houses all have gable roofs, porches, and lean-to additions. The district also contains the well-maintained Central Mine Methodist Church, which is in nearly original condition.

History

In 1854, John Shawson, an agent of the Cliff Mine, discovered native copper in the bottom of an ancient pit (apparently dug by Native Americans) several miles from Cliff Mine.Central Mine
from the state of Michigan, retrieved 8/19/09 The Central Mining Company was organized in 1854 for the purpose of mining copper in the Keweenaw. Mining began in 1856, and the mine's lode proved so rich that Central became was able to turn a profit in its first year of operation. Between 1856 and between then and the end of the 19th century the company built over 130 structures for the mine and the community of workers. At the peak of production in 1868, the town of Central was home to over 130 people, primarily immigrants from Cornwall, England. The mining industry eventually contracted, and by 1887 the Central Mine was the only fully operational mine in

Keweenaw County Keweenaw County (, ; , ) is a county in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan, the state's northernmost county. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 2,046, making it Michigan's least populous county. It is also the ...

. In 1898 the mine ceased operation, and residents began leaving the town. The last permanent resident left in 1952, although some structures in the area are still used as summer cottages.

Central Mine and Village

The Keweenaw County Historical Society owns 38 acres of the old Central site and operates the Central Mine Visitor's Center which features exhibits about the mine and village. Some of the residences can be visited or are being restored.

References

External links

Central Mine and Village
- Keweenaw County Historical Society
Central Mine Methodist Church
{{authority control Geography of Keweenaw County, Michigan Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan Michigan State Historic Sites in Keweenaw County Keweenaw National Historical Park Museums in Keweenaw County, Michigan Mining museums in Michigan Industrial buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan National Register of Historic Places in Keweenaw County, Michigan