Barbara Bouwkamp doesn’t worry about taking a wrong turn, as it sometimes leads to interesting discoveries and good photo opportunities. She recently said she got lost and found this old abandoned mine and said it looks like they just shut the doors and walked away. It’s actually the Osceola Mine, located on E Street in the Calumet area behind the Holiday Station Store on US-41. It closed in 1931, but C&H reopened it in the 1950’s until the 1968 labor strike. After which C&H closed down all their operations for good.

This mine was the site of the deadliest mining accident in the Copper Country when fire broke out in the No. 3 shaft on September 7, 1895. Due to there being a large amount of timber in the mine, the smoke from the burning wood also reached the No. 4 shaft and thirty people died, mostly due to smoke inhalation. It could have been much worse, because when the fire was discovered, over 200 miners were underground. Working in the mines was a dangerous occupation. For more history on the Osceola Mine click here: Osceola Mine

We’re joining Nancy Haun for a little train horn sounds, which she says soothes the soul. The horn blast and bell, along with the clickety-clack going by on the tracks is a rail fan’s delight!

That will wake you up in the morning!

How much fun is a ride like that? You find
something you didn't know was around...way cool!

I'm not much for the whole mining stuff.
Pretty sure I'm in the minority but it's
not something that ever interested me.
My husband, on the other hand, loves it.
Great find and pictures, though.

Always love the sound of trains. Thanks,
Nancy.

I find it rather amazing that so much of the buildings and hardware used in the old mining industry is still around, despite being out in the elements during the harsh winters UP there. A heck of a lotta history to be explored and remembered.

Deb,
Now that you moved back, should you now be known as
usedtobeusedtobeayooper?