Mine: Allouez Mine, Allouez, MI

Began → Allouez Mine → C&H Mining Co. (1923)

Operated for 97 years.

From: 1859, but didn't produce until 1869

Located at: Section 32 of T57N-R32W

Owned by: Allouez Mining Co., then Calumet & Hecla absorbed mine in 1923.

Produced: Copper Ore

Method: Shaft mining.

Railroad connection: Mineral Range, COPR

Stamp Mill/Smelter: Allouez Mill

Until: 1966

Lifetime Production: 

Notes

Shafts 1-4

The Allouez Mining Company began operations here in 1869. The mine was absorbed by the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company in 1923. There were at least four shafts during the mine's history. Surface buildings included the headframe (made of wood in 1945 during the war when steel was in shortage), 40x50' hoist house with gabled roof, 100x20' rock house attached to the headframe, and a third building which was probably a dry house. [UPM]

The mines at Allouez are commonly thought of as three separate mining operations, all owned by the same company. The Allouez Mining Company first opened a conglomerate lode (later known as the Allouez Conglomerate) near the current town of Allouez beginning in 1859, but did not produce its first copper until 1869. These mines operated sporadically until 1892 when it closed permanently. A second stage of mining began when the company reorganized and opened two shafts (Allouez Nos. 1 and 2) along the Kearsarge Amygdaloid in 1905. In the process, it also created a company town called New Allouez. In 1923, the Allouez Mining Company was absorbed by Calumet and Hecla and mining operations ceased shortly thereafter. The final chapter of the "Allouez" occurred beginning in 1942 with the opening of the Allouez Douglass Shaft (commonly known as Allouez No. 3) by Calumet and Hecla to mine the Houghton Conglomerate and an unnamed amygdaloid lode. This mine operated until 1966 when it closed.

John Stanton was a director of this mine.

Time Line

1869. After being off and on, serious production begins here.

1877. Stopped producing due to lack of funds. Resumed in 1880. [CHBK]

1880. Production resumes and a 3 foot narrow gauge railway is constructed to transport ore to the Hills Creek Mill, about 3 miles to the northwest. [CRR]

1892.The mine closes. [CRR]

1898. Has been idled for a number of years, work exploratory work since 1898. Milling costs are high.

1901. The company holds an option on 120 acres lying north and east of the mine from the St. Mary's Land Company. [CHBK]

1907. The Calumet & Hecla Mining Co. will take charge of the management of Osceola Central and all Allouez mining companies. It has purchased a majority of the stock of the Central and Allouez companies, as permitted under Michigan mining laws and will be responsible for their management in the future and development. It has also secured control of the Osceola. These companies will be managed n conjunction with the C&H but each for individual interests of its stockholders as such. [DFP-1907-0222]

1923. The Ahmeek, Allouez, Centennial, Osceola an C&H mining companies were merged into the Calumet & Hecla Consolidated Copper Company. The first four properties had been served by the Mineral Range railroad which was considered expensive. A right-of-way along the Trap Rock River valley was secured and construction begun in June 1924. [CRR]

1925. September. The new Trap Rock Valley Railroad was completed. [CRR]

1965. Allouez (shaft) #3 is reported to be an active mine, operated by the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company. Along with the Kingston Mine, these are the only two mines operating in Keweenaw County. [DMP]