The Old Mining Town of Republic in Marquette County, Michigan
The U.P. Mining town of Republic can be found in Republic Township, Marquette County.
The whole reason the town existed was to accommodate mine workers, giving them and their families a place to live while they toiled underground in the hot, claustrophobic mines. The Republic Mine ended up being one of the most successful in the Upper Peninsula; the mine shaft was over a half-mile deep, plunging 2,910 feet.
TIMELINE (thanx to andylphoto.com):
1846: Mineral deposit discovered
1854: Mining begins
1870: Republic Iron Company was formed
1871: Republic Mine opens
1871: The town of Republic is created
1873: Post office begins operating
1914: Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company takes over the mine
1927 (approximate): Mine closes
Even though the mine was closed, some ore was occasionally being produced until it shut down in 1981.
Republic was also called 'Iron City' for a short time and had four separate railroads running through town: Chicago & North Western, Duluth South Shore & Atlantic, Lake Superior & Ishpeming, and Milwaukee Road. According to Michigan Railroads, it was on the CNW railroad that an accident occurred in mid-June, 1900. A passenger train was heading south when it crashed into another train as it sped to the switch. Both locomotives were totaled, 12 ore cars were smashed, an a dozen people were badly injured.
If you decide to take a roadtrip through the U.P., take a drive thru Republic. It's a typical old Michigan mining town, with very little businesses and many, many old miners' homes scattered through the neighborhoods.
Take a look at some photos below!
GALLERY OF REPUBLIC
MORE STUFF:
Abandoned Mining Building, Upper Peninsula
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