|
IN BRIEF
Keweenaw National Historical Park was established to commemorate the rich history of copper mining on the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan - the only place in the world where commercially abundant quantities of elemental copper occurred. It has the oldest metal mining heritage in the western hemisphere -- one which dates back 7,000 years.
The Keweenaw Peninsula was the site of America's first large scale hard-rock industrial mining operations. The copper mines of the Keweenaw were critical to the industrial development of the United States. Mine shafts here reached over 9,000 feet deep. The men who labored, and sometimes died in these mines, along with the women who nurtured them, gave the Keweenaw Peninsula a rich mix of language, costume and custom. Their descendents are now working with the National Park Service to share these many stories with all the people of America at a national park which relies on partnerships with local communities in the Keweenaw.
There are approximately 1700 acres within the two units of the park. Much of that area is, and will remain, in private ownership. Keweenaw National Historical Park will own only areas where it will preserve key structures and sites and conduct its interpretive activities. In addition, there are a number of Cooperating Sites scattered across a one hundred mile section of the Keweenaw Peninsula. These sites, are cooperating with the National Park Service to provide interpretive opportunities and visitor services.
|
|
