The Keweenaw peninsula’s mining era spanned over 100 years starting in the mid 1800’s through the 1960’s. Join my husband, Chuck (A.K.A. DaViking), and I as we investigate this abandoned copper dredge. From the roadway, M-26, a fence had blocked access to this site. DaViking had other plans. He always knows how to create adventure! We launched Thor on this breezy, bright day to get a closer look at the Quincy Dredge #2.
narrowing the pathways through the water.
The Keweenaw Peninsula
Dredge #1 and #2
The stamp sand deposits show as gray along the shoreline.
Photo Credit: Chuck Hayden
Quincy Dredge #2
Light ripples lapped against the rusty structure as we drifted toward the sloped building. Stamp sands, now covered with bright green grass, stretched southward as far as I could see.
Then in 1951 it was relocated and renamed, Quincy Dredge #2,
as it had replaced the previously sunken dredge at this site.
The Stamping Process
After blasting chunks of underground ore, the large rocks would be carted up a mine shaft in a “skip.” The ore would be unloaded and “stamped” in the mill. In the stamping process an iron anvil-type tool would be used to crush the rock in order to separate the copper. The crushed rock, now pulverized into sand would be released into a waterway.
The bottom pictures were remnants of stamping mills.
This dredge was used to sift through the sand tailings and retrieve bits of copper that had been missed previously in the stamping process.
as if it still wanted to swoop up soil and sift through the sandy remains.
Superfund Site
This area was deemed a Superfund site in 1986 due to the environmental impact from the stamp sands on organisms in the area. After extensive clean up, the area was pronounced safe and taken off the Superfund list in 2013.
The vast amount of stamp sands brought me a sense of wonder about this region. The whispers of hard work could be heard in the wilderness on this cool summer morning.
The Secrets of the Keweenaw Peninsula
Unlocking the stories surrounding the Keweenaw peninsula has been fascinating. Stay tuned for more articles about this area of Michigan.
Related Links
Restless Viking’s article “The Delaware Mine Tour”
Restless Viking’s Keweenaw Caper Video
Restless Viking merchandise is now available!
Resources
Take My Trip Article
Quincy Mine Article
