1512

Ropes Shaft Signal Sign

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Mining Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Ropes Shaft Signal Sign
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White enamel with black lettering. 14 x 20 inches. Listing Command Bells and Call Bells (for station identification). A gold mine north of Ishpeming.



In 1881, former druggist, postmaster, and school board member Julius Ropes discovered gold among the serpentine rocks north of the town of Ishpeming, which prompted him to form the Ropes Gold and Silver Company to exploit that discovery. Mining and stamp-milling operations began in earnest in 1883 with the sinking of the Curry shaft and continued until financial troubles forced closure of the mine in 1897. Fifteen levels had been developed to 813 feet depth. $645,792 worth of gold (period values) was shipped during this period, extracted by the mercury amalgamation process and gravity separation.

Mining resumed in 1983 and closed in 1991. The only profitable gold mine in Michigan's history.



State:Michigan City: Date: ID#46807