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1955 Map of Republic

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Republic
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

The iron mining legacy of Michigan's Marquette Range is clearly etched into the landscape of Humboldt and Republic. The industrial footprint of the Republic Mine and Humboldt Mine dominates the topography, characterized by extensive tailings ponds, mine dumps, and a network of specialized infrastructure including a Pump House and Water Tank. This mid-century environment was deeply tied to the railroads, with the Duluth South Shore and Atlantic, the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific, and the Lake Superior and Ishpeming all converging to transport ore from the pits.

Beyond the industrial zones, the map shows the transition into the Michigamme State Forest. Natural features like The Basin on the Michigamme River and the numerous glacial lakes, such as Granite Lake and Autio Lake, surround the settlements. Social history is marked by the Humboldt Cem and the Black River Sch (Abandoned), documenting the shifting population centers of this Upper Peninsula mining district.