The Central Mine Historic District is a historic area near US 41 in Upper Michigan. The mine was named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1958. The surrounding district was named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Description

The Central Mine Historic District includes the remains of the almost abandoned mining town of Central. The area has about 20 wooden buildings left from an original total of 130, along with scattered ruins. Most of the remaining buildings are two-story company houses made of wood and built on stone bases. These homes have gable roofs, front porches, and small rooms added to the sides. The district also includes the well-preserved Central Mine Methodist Church, which is nearly in its original condition.

History

In 1854, John Shawson, who worked for the Cliff Mine, found native copper at the bottom of an old pit (likely dug by Native Americans) several miles from the Cliff Mine. The Central Mining Company was formed in 1854 to mine copper in the Keweenaw area. Mining started in 1856, and the mine had so much copper that the company made money in its first year of operation. From 1856 until the end of the 19th century, the company built more than 130 structures for the mine and the town where workers lived. In 1868, the town of Central had more than 130 people, mostly immigrants from Cornwall, England. Over time, the mining industry slowed, and by 1887, the Central Mine was the only mine still working in Keweenaw County. In 1898, the mine stopped operating, and people began leaving the town. The last person who lived there permanently left in 1952, though some buildings in the area are still used as summer homes.

Central Mine and Village

The Keweenaw County Historical Society owns 38 acres of the old Central site. It runs the Central Mine Visitor Center, which shows displays about the mine and village. Some homes are open for visits or are being fixed up.