Cliff Mine
First Profitable Copper Mine in America
The Cliff Mine was the first profitable copper mine in the United States. Opened in 1845, it produced native copper so pure it could be shipped directly to smelters. A company town grew around the mine, complete with housing, a school, and a church. When the ore was exhausted, the town was abandoned to the wilderness.
Native Copper
Unlike most copper deposits, the Keweenaw Peninsula contained native copper - pure metal that required no smelting. The Cliff Mine extracted masses of copper weighing thousands of pounds, making it incredibly profitable.
Abandonment
By 1870, the accessible ore was depleted. The company closed the mine, and workers moved to newer operations. The buildings slowly collapsed, leaving only foundations and mine ruins.
Timeline
- 1845 - Opened Pittsburgh and Boston Mining Company began operations
- 1850s - Peak Most profitable copper mine in America
- 1870 - Closed Ore depleted, mine abandoned
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Summer
Difficulty: Moderate - hiking required
Time Needed: 2 hours
Quick Facts
- First profitable copper mine in the U.S.
- Produced native copper requiring no smelting
- Some foundations still visible in the forest
Location
Address: Near Eagle River, Michigan
Coordinates: 47.3636, -87.8897