Houghton
Copper Country Heritage Guide - Locations
In its infancy, the copper empire was concentrated along the northern end of the Keweenaw peninsula. At that time the mines were being fed by the scattering of small ports along the peninsula’s western shore, namely Copper Harbor, Eagle Harbor, and Eagle River. But by the middle of the nineteenth century, prospectors began to move south and found themselves discovering rich copper lodes along the west arm of Portage Lake. As these Portage Lake mines began to sprout, a conveniently located port became necessary to bring in supplies and ship out the copper. That port would become the city of Houghton.
Unlike most other towns in the Keweenaw, Houghton grew independently from any mine companies direct influence. One of the first Europeans to settle the area was a businessmen by the name of Ransom Shelden, who moved his general merchandise business to the shores of the Portage Lake in 1852. Five years later Shelden helped incorporate the city of Houghton, who’s population had begun to take off thanks to the opening of the Isle Royale Mine. With the completion of improvements to the Portage River in 1860, large ships could finally make their way up the river to the wharfs along Houghton’s waterfront. Soon after that, Houghton would become the new county seat for the newly formed Houghton County. With these developments the city’s role as the regions center of commerce had been assured.
By the turn of the century Houghton would become the largest city in the region, a distinction it continues to hold today. The city’s main thoroughfare – Shelden Ave – would become a showcase for some of the area’s most opulent and grandest architecture including the twin-towered Douglass House, the sandstone faced Shelden-Dee block, and the impressive Masonic Temple. Some of the finest institutions of learning would be erected in the city such as the Carnegie funded library, and the Michigan College of Mines – known today as Michigan Tech. The centerpiece of it all would be the copper capped county courthouse, looking out over the valley atop its perch above the city.
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Carnegie Library
Houghton – The Carnegie Foundation provided $15,000 towards the construction of Houghton’s first and only public library, built in 1909.
Copper Range Coal Dock
Houghton – This sprawling field of pilings that once supported the Copper Range’s coal dock are now home to an 800 foot long boardwalk.
Copper Range Depot (Houghton)
Houghton – In addition to its passenger depot, this massive brick building was also home to the Copper Range Railroad’s administrative offices.
Dee Block
Houghton – Built in 1899 this massive sandstone business block once housed Houghton’s post office but is more famously known as the home to the Daily Mining Gazette.
Douglass House
Houghton – This highly ornate brick and terra cotta structure built in 1900 was home to the Copper Country’s finest and most prestigious hotel, originally established in 1860.
Forest Hills Cemetery
Houghton – This sprawling garden style cemetery was established in 1862 to serve the needs of Houghton’s burgeoning population, and continues to be used still today.
Grace United Methodist Church
Houghton – This Romanesque styled sandstone church was built in 1893 by the region’s first Methodist congregation.
Houghton Club
Houghton – Built in 1910 this Classical Revival building was home to the highly exclusive Houghton Club, whose members represented Houghton’s elite and influential upper class.
Houghton County Courthouse
Houghton – Reflecting the region’s mine inspired prosperity is this stately brick and sandstone trimmed courthouse complete with a roof adorned with the very metal that gave the area its name.
Houghton Fire Hall
Houghton – In addition to its role housing Houghton’s fire department, this two story brick building was also the first home of the Michigan College of Mines, now known as Michigan Tech.
Houghton National Bank
Houghton – Having the distinction of being Houghton’s first masonry commercial block, this Romanesque inspired brick building features an impressive sandstone arcade along its front facade.
Houghton Power House
Houghton – This large sandstone building once housed electric generators for the Peninsular Electric Light and Power Company, the Copper Country’s earliest electric utility company.
Isle Royale Coal Dock
Houghton – The remains of the old Isle Royale Coal Dock now serve to support a 200 foot boardwalk along the city of Houghton’s Peepsock Trail.
Isle Royale Dry House
Houghton – One of three identical structures built around 1917, this concrete building was used by workers from the adjacent No. 6 shaft to clean up and change after their shift.
Isle Royale Locomotive House
Houghton – This concrete building was built in 1917 to house the locomotives of the Isle Royale Railroad, a five mile long short line that connected the Isle Royale shafts with its mill down at the mouth of the Pilgrim River.
Isle Royale Machine Shop
Houghton – The Isle Royale Mine’s assorted collection of equipment and machinery were repaired within this massive building, which also housed a large warehouse within its north wing.
Isle Royale Mill
Houghton – Buried within the hill overlooking a modern gas station are the remains of the old Isle Royale Stamp Mill, erected in 1901 to serve the mine of the same name.
Isle Royale No.6
Houghton – The Isle Royale Mine was originally organized to mine the island of the same name, but fading fortunes forced its move to the mainland and a stretch of copper rich lode above Houghton.
Isle Royale Pump House
Houghton – The last remaining structure from the ruined Isle Royale Stamp Mill, this impressive sandstone building once housed the a massive steam pump used to deliver the millions of water needed by the mill each day.
Isle Royale School
Houghton – Originally known as the Dodgeville School, this brick school building served the children of workers from the adjacent Isle Royale No. 5 and No. 6 shafts.
Masonic Temple
Houghton – Adorned with a generous supply of masonic symbology, this impressive four story sandstone building houses a massive meeting hall originally used by the Houghton chapter of Freemasons.
Michigan Smelter
Houghton – Now reduced to a collection of ruins scattered along a steep hillside adjacent Coles Creek, this sprawling site was once home to one of the region’s largest smelting operations.
Mineral Range Depot (Houghton)
Houghton – Built to compete with the Copper Range Railroad’s impressive Houghton station, this petite passenger depot serving the Mineral Range Railroad is easily one of the region’s finest.
Old Mill Hill Trestle
Houghton – A series massive partially collapsed concrete pillars are all that remain of this soaring trestle that carried the Copper Range railroad over Old Mill Hill road.
Oskar Cemetery
Houghton – This small secluded cemetery was established around 1888 to service the equally small Finnish community of Oskar located along the Portage Canal.
Portage Lift Bridge
Houghton – Built in 1959 to replace in earlier swing bridge, this 100 foot tall lift bridge was built with a double deck to accommodate both road and rail traffic.
Shelden Dee Block
Houghton – This Chicago Styled and handsomely ornate sandstone office block was built in 1900 for two of Houghton’s most influential families – the Dees and the Sheldens.
St. Ignatius Loyola Church
Houghton – Taking over four years to complete, this massive sandstone cathedral soaring high above Houghton’s skyline has served the city’c Catholic population for over a century.
Trinity Episcopal Church
Houghton – This gothic styled church was built in 1860 to serve Houghton’s Anglican parish.
