Ahmeek Mine

Copper Country Heritage Guide - Types

One of the oldest working mines in the Keweenaw, the Ahmeek became the bread and butter of C&H’s operations during the company’s twilight years, closing only with the rest of the company in the late 1960′s. The mine was first opened in 1888 on a tract of land set aside by the Seneca Mining company. The initial shafts proved less then fruitful but the discovery of the Kearsarge Lode on the property in 1903 resulted in renewed interest and the sinking of several new shafts on the newly discovered copper-rich lode.

The mine consists of four shafts, with No.1 and No.2 lying near Ahmeek and the No.3 and No.4 shafts lying well to the north closer to Mohawk. The No.1 was closed early, but worked continued on the other three for most of the mine’s existence. The No.3 and No.4 shafts are unique as they share a common collar on the service, but divulge underground to run in two different directions. The mine would build a large and impressive stamp mill along the shores of Torch Lake in Tamarack City.

The mine would fall under C&H’s control during the 1923 consolidation, who would go on to operated the mine up to the dawning of the Depression. The mine would be re-opened again in 1936 and ruin continuously for the next 30 years. During this time the massive combined No.3 and No.4 rock house and adjacent soaring rock piles would be powerful symbol of the Copper Country’s industrial might. Unfortunately C&H’s final closure in 1967 would halt the hoists for good and the mine was abandoned.

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Ahmeek Mill

Ahmeek Mill

Tamarack City – Built in 1910, this towering complex is marked by rows of monolithic concrete towers, one of which still supports one of the mill’s massive iron stamps.

Ahmeek Mine Office

Ahmeek Mine Office

Ahmeek – This stately brick building with sandstone highlights was built to house the main offices for the Ahmeek Mine.

Ahmeek No. 2

Ahmeek No. 2

Ahmeek – The No.2 would be the Ahmeek Mine’s most profitable shaft, its skips earning the reputation as being “money makers” as each load was profit for the company.

Ahmeek No. 3/4

Ahmeek No. 3/4

Mohawk – This unique dual shaft almost single handily saved C&H from early closure. Though its massive rock house was demolished, most of its sprawling surface plant can still be seen alongside US41.