The Cuyuna Range, located southwest of the Mesabi Range in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, is a fascinating piece of the state's mining history. Here's a quick look at what makes it unique:
Discovery and Early Days:
It was discovered in 1895 by surveyor Cuyler Adams, who named it after himself and his dog Una. It is reported that Una was a St. Bernard.
Mining began in 1911, with ore deep underground like the Vermilion Range.
Rich in manganese, crucial during World War I when other sources were unavailable.
Witnessed the deadliest mining disaster in Minnesota in 1924 at the Milford Mine.
Cuyuna Uniqueness:
It is the smallest and last to be opened among Minnesota's three iron ranges.
Ore quality varied, some soft like Mesabi's open-pit and some hard like Vermilion's underground.
Compared to newer towns like Crosby and Ironton, many cities like Brainerd existed before mining.
Remained in the hands of smaller, independent companies due to land ownership patterns.
Challenges and Triumphs:
Early mining attempts failed due to water-filling shafts, especially in areas under lakes and bogs.
The 1924 Milford mine disaster remains the worst in Minnesota mining history.
Despite challenges, far-sighted individuals like Cuyler Adams and George Crosby persevered, making the Cuyuna Range a vital iron ore supplier for the nation's steel industry.
Legacy:
Today, the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area and Cuyuna Lakes Trail offer opportunities to explore the area's mining past.
The Cuyuna Range stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of Minnesota's iron ore miners.
Learn More:
Visit the Soo Line Depot Museum to learn more about Cuyuna history.