The Keweenaw Copper Rush: America's First Mining Boom (Part 3)

Keweenaw, Michigan. The first mining boom in American history was not the California Gold Rush, the Klondike Gold Rush, or any other gold rush. The first mining boom in American history was the Copper Rush of the uppermost part of the Upper Peninsula, the Keweenaw Peninsula. And by the time it was over, this boom actually had a greater economic impact than either of those gold rushes. In fact, from the 1860s to the 1920s, this part of Michigan supplied over 90% of the world's Copper. TIMELINE 1847: had risked his life to help advert a threatened food shortage in the Copper Harbor District. 1908: is anchored in the bottom left corner. 2018: which focused on the Upper Peninsula. WHY THIS MATTERS The story of Keweenaw is a reminder that the events that shaped America didn't always happen in the biggest cities. What unfolded here left marks on the community that are still visible today. The full story is more complicated, and more human, than the version most people know. Episode 54 | Hometown History | Hosted by Shane Waters Hometown History explores forgotten stories from small-town America. The overlooked events, hidden triumphs, and buried tragedies that shaped the country we live in. New episodes every Tuesday. Find every episode at mythsandmalice.com/hometown-historyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy