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1962 Map of Aurora

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Aurora
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

The industrial infrastructure of the Mesabi Iron Range dominates this landscape, where the Erie Mine No 1 Pit and the massive Taconite Processing Plant define the local economy during the early 1960s. Mining operations are woven into the natural terrain of the Embarrass Mountains, with extensive mine dumps and conveyors surrounding the residential centers of Aurora and the newer development of Hoyt Lakes.

Transport is dictated by the Duluth Missabe and Iron Range Railroad Company, which services the pits and processing facilities. Beyond the heavy industry, the map preserves details of local life such as the Forest Hill Cemetery, Keefe Sch, and a skating rink on the shores of Colby Lake. The transition from historic sites like Old Mesaba to modern industrial features illustrates the intense mid-century expansion of taconite mining within the Superior National Forest.