Immigrants on the Marquette Iron Range

I made a lot of progress on my research today.  I traveled to the Library of Michigan and found a plethora of books and documents regarding my topic.  The most interesting source I found is a reference book of the Old Catholic Cemetery in Marquette.  Within this book there are pictures of headstones and who was laid to rest in that spot.  This gives me a great insight on the miners, as the most common occupation listed is mining.  I also found a primary source that describes the towns of Marquette and Ishpeming in the year 1900. With this, the most interesting aspect of my research thus far is that of immigrant miners.

Northern Michigan University has a page that is solely dedicated to the "Voices of the Marquette Iron Range" and provides me with firsthand accounts of what life was like.  One interesting facet of this topic is that of Cornish immigrants who first entered the Iron Range in 1845.  They first resided in Wisconsin but moved to Marquette after hearing of the prospects.  What makes this group of immigrants so special was the way they established their own community.  They resided in small houses on the outskirts of Negaunee and their community surrounded around the local Methodist Church.  This is a group of immigrants that I will most definitely incorporate into my paper.

I want to end by recommending the Library of Michigan to everyone, especially those who are conducting their research on Michigan communities.

Cornish Wrestling Match, 1920

Research Update

Researching the mining industry of Marquette County has proven to be a little more difficult than I had anticipated.  Most of the sources that I have come upon are more related to the geology of mining rather than the workers who worked in the mines.  Because this is all I can find at the MSU Library I am now headed to the Library of Michigan.  Here, I have found more substantial research regarding the people who worked the mines and the three communities that encompass the Marquette Iron Range.

One aspect in my research that I would like to look more into, and possibly dedicate a section of my paper to is that of immigrant workers.  From looking at the Census Data from the year 1880 I found that most miners were immigrants from Finland, Canada, and a few from Ireland.  I believe that it would be appropriate to incorporate the immigrants who lived in the community as the mining industry has been instrumental in the communities progress.

Thanks

Marquette Iron Mining

Hello Everyone,

After reviewing possible topics to research I have decided to direct my study in the focus of Marquette County mining.  For all of you who may not know, Marquette County is in the Upper Peninsula and has had a quite vibrant mining history.  There are several mining ranges in the UP including the Copper Country Range and Menominee Range but I chose Marquette.  I chose Marquette for several reasons.  First, I have actually toured some of the mines that are still in operation and found it interesting. Second, I have some family ties in Marquette which I hope can give me a better insight to the operation of the mines and the community structure in which the mines operated in.  There is an abundance of secondary sources on mining in Michigan, which will undoubtable assist in my research. Though the secondary sources are helpful what I believe will help me even more are the primary sources. I have found many primary sources through the Cleaveland-Cliffs Mining Company who have operated in the Marquette Iron Range since its birth.  I hope everyone is finding their research interesting and good luck!

Negaunee Mine - Negaunee, MI

Barnes-Hecker Mine - Ishpaming, Michigan

Introduction

Hello Everyone,


My name is Luke Arends and I am currently in my Junior year. I am double majoring in both History and Criminal Justice and plan on attending Law School following my undergraduate studies here at MSU.  When I came to Michigan State I had no intention of becoming a history major, but ultimately chose to pursue something that I truly love studying. My experience of history at Michigan State has been great.  I have taken both History 202 and 203 which are both focus solely on the United  States.  As I progress more into my major I am excited to learn other periods of history. The period of history which I find most intriguing is the American Civil War and Reconstruction.


And now onto a more personal note.  I grew up in the small town of Sparta, Michigan which is located ten miles north of Grand Rapids.  Sparta is predominately a farming community with an abundance of apple farmers. In the past I have never studied my own community and its relation to the farming community but hope to learn more as I am looking to my hometown as the focus of my research in this class. I am excited to get this semester underway and learn all there is to know about labor history!