1944 Map of Iron River

About this map

Mining operations dominate the landscape of this 1944 survey, revealing the dense industrial activity surrounding the communities of Iron River, Stambaugh, and Caspian. The concentration of iron ore extraction is evident through a series of named shafts and locations, including the Forbes Mine, Homer Mine, and James Mine, which are interconnected by the Chicago and Northwestern rail lines. Beyond the urban centers of Mineral Hills and Virgil Location, the map transitions into the deep timber of the Ottawa National Forest, straddling the border between Michigan and Wisconsin. Notable natural features like Stanley Lake and the meandering Iron River provide a stark contrast to the nearby industrial landscape. Local governance is represented by the Township Hall, while early settlements like Forbes Location reflect the worker-oriented geography of the Upper Peninsula at mid-century.