Copper Connections Conclusion

Throughout this article series, we've revealed the following connections between the Keweenaw and Isle Royale:

1. Geology - An ancient, shared geology yielding the largest deposit of native metallic copper in the world.
2. Indigenous Mining - A shared Indigenous history featuring evidence of some of the oldest metal mining in the world.
3. Industrial Mining - A shared history featuring development stages, initial searches for mass copper, and high hopes for success.
4. Recent Archaeology - History guided archaeology and has helped to elucidate the indigenous and industrial connections.

Who knew all these connections existed between Isle Royale and the Keweenaw? Archaeologists and historians have helped to reveal them. With your help in preserving these sites, there are sure to be many more yet to be uncovered.

Additional Resources:
Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale Archaeology
Isle Royale Mines

Keweenaw National Historical Park
Keweenaw Archaeology
Keweenaw Copper Timeline

Midwest Archaeological Center

Leave No Trace

The items we find in nature have a role to play, either in the ecosystem or the story of the landscape. Leaving what we find in place helps to preserve both. Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts, and other objects of interest as you find them.

• Preserve the past: observe cultural or historic structures and artifacts, but do not touch them.
• Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.