GC1X84C The Cuyuna Range (Earthcache) in Minnesota, United States created by Eagle93

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GC1X84C ▼

A cache by Eagle93 Message this owner

Hidden : 8/14/2009

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Geocache Description:

The Cuyuna Range is an iron range to the southwest of the Mesabi Range, largely within Crow Wing County and is located in the St. Louis Moraines Subsection that was formed at the leading edge of repeating glacial advances. Named for entreprenuer Cuyler Adams and his faithful dog Una, the Cuyuna Range lies at the westernmost edge of a ring of iron ore that circles Lake Superior. The smallest of Minnesota's three northern iron ranges, the Cuyuna was also the last to be opened. By the time the ore was shipped from the first Cuyuna mine to Duluth in 1911, Minnesota had already become the leading iron ore producer in the country.

The Iron Ore of the Cuyuna Range is of Middle Precambrian age and is found beneath layers of glacial till that can be more than 100-200 feet deep. The Cuyuna Range was formed through igneous activity (formed by fire/volcanic/molten rock) and is the only igneous rock outcrop for forty miles until the Mesabi range.

In many ways, this range differs from Minnesota's other two great ranges. Here the ore quality varies. The Cuyuna Range is also rich in other minerals, one of which, was at first avoided by miners and later valued during World War I.

Another difference in the Cuyuna's story can be found in its settlement. Many towns, like Brainerd and Aitkin, were well established before the ore was discovered nearby. Other towns like Crosby and Ironton sprang up when mining began. This meant that vast tracts of land were difficult for developers to obtain. So the Cuyuna Range remained in the hands of smaller, independent mining companies, not the large, consolidated mining operations that dominated the other ranges.

Much of the Cuyuna's ore was difficult to obtain, and early attempts to mine it had met with failures. Indeed the 1924 Milford mine disaster was the worst in Minnesota mining history. But far-sighted businessman like Adams and George Crosby persisted, turning the Cuyuna Range into an important supplier of iron ore for the steel industry that fueled the nation's growth. Mining on the Cuyuna Range ceased in the 1970's.

To log this cache do the following:
1) Describe how the ore from the Cuyuna range differed from other Minnesota ranges - give specific examples.
2) What other mineral is rich in the Cuyuna Range deposits and what was it used for?
3) How much iron ore was produced from the Cuyuna Range during it's peak years?
4) Describe how the geology you see in the area made the ore on the Cuyuna Range difficult to obtain?
5) Post a photo of your group at the site with your GPSr in your log.

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The Cuyuna Range EarthCache

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