Elcor
Iron Range Forgotten
State: Minnesota
County: St. Louis County
Founded: 1900
Abandoned: 1960s
Peak Population: 800
Elcor was one of many mining towns that dotted Minnesota's Iron Range. When the ore was exhausted, the town was abandoned. Today, foundations and slag piles are being reclaimed by the boreal forest.
Iron Mining
Elcor served iron mines that supplied America's steel industry. At its peak, the town had a company store, school, and housing for 800.
Decline
When the Mesabi Range iron deposits were depleted, towns like Elcor were abandoned. Most structures were removed, leaving only foundations.
Timeline
- 1900 - Founded Mining began
- 1920s - Peak Height of operations
- 1960s - Abandoned Mining ended
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Summer
Difficulty: Moderate - finding the site
Time Needed: 1 hour
Quick Facts
- Part of Minnesota's Iron Range
- Forest is reclaiming the site
- Slag piles mark the location
Location
Address: Near Virginia, Minnesota
Coordinates: 47.5167, -92.4167