The #4 shaft house will receive new life as a historic site in the Keweenaw Peninsula Visit Keweenaw
What's happening: The Painesdale Mine & Shaft was recognized as a Keweenaw Historic Site, according to Visit Keweenaw, the area’s local tourism authority. To be recognized as a historic site, the location needs to contain “significant cultural and/or natural resources, and make a unique contribution to the copper mining history,” according to the National Park Service.
Why is this site important: The Copper Range Mining Company's #4 Shaft House, constructed in 1902, played a crucial role in the mining operations in the southern Keweenaw Peninsula. This mine operated for nearly 65 years before ceasing operations in 1967. Adams Township continues to utilize this location to supply water to nearby towns and cities.
What they're saying: “This is something we have been working towards for years as we have grown as an operation,” said Painesdale Mine & Shaft Inc. President Michael Prast. “It is wonderful to officially be a part of the network of wonderful historic sites working to preserve and share the local copper mining history.”
What's next: Improvements for summer tourism will begin shortly, with vegetation cleared back to offer unobstructed views of the property. While the Painesdale Mine itself remains sealed, guests can visit the upper levels and gain insight into the process of moving mined materials out of the mine and into the community. Prast said that new funding opportunities will be available with the historic site designation.
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