1951 Map of Gilbert

About this map

The Mesabi Range industrial landscape is on full display here, dominated by the extensive open-pit operations of the Gilbert Mine, Schley Mine, and Genoa Mine. These massive excavations sit alongside the settlements of Gilbert and Sparta, illustrating the close proximity of residential life to the region's heavy iron mining. The map reflects a mid-century era of infrastructure expansion, showing the Eveleth-Virginia Municipal Airport and the specialized Sky Harbor Seaplane Base on the northern shore of Ely Lake. South of the industrial activity, the terrain shifts into the State Game Refuge within Fayal Township, where the Embarrass River meanders through a landscape of wetlands and smaller lakes like Heikkala Lake and Pleasant Lake. This document effectively captures the dual nature of St. Louis County, balancing intense resource extraction with vast protected natural areas and developing aviation hubs.