When I am referring to the Ashbed Mill I am in fact more correctly referring to the Old Phoenix Mill. I use the term Ashbed to differentiate it from the other many stamp mills used by the Phoenix. The Ashbed Mine you refer to here is in fact further east of the Phoenix, though they both mined the sam copper vein which was known as the Ashbed vein.

This was the home of the Ashbed Mining Company which was located between the Arnold proper and the Copper Falls proper of the Arnold, with Lake Superior on the north and the lands of the Central mine on the South. It was organized in 1880. Very little copper was found. The copper ore secured from here was stamped at the Copper Falls mill. The Company built the usual buildings to support copper mining and homes for their workers. Work was stopped in 1865, resumed in 1872 and again stopped in 1877. The third period of activity was in 1881 and 1882. In 1914 after being closed for a number of years, machinery from the Mandan shafts was moved and with other mining items, were put to work. A force of carpenters renovated and repaired the residences for employees. Operations continued through that winter. This community was served by the Keweenaw Central RR company.

Glad you enjoyed. I wrote this because I was confused when I went out there last week and found the ruins you tipped me off to. I was sure the mill should of been on the east bank of the river, not the west. But then I found that photo of the Ashbed / Old Phoenix MIll and everything fit perfectly.

The Phoenix mill should of been further upstream past the old Lake Superior Copper Co. workings.

As far as the Lake Superior Copper Co.’s site I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. Didn’t find too much more than you did. Ran out of daylight before we got to far down the river…