City of Negaunee history:
The discovery of iron ore by an exploratory mining party near
the shore of Teal Lake in 1844 launched the birth of the City of
Negaunee. Native Americans who had long resided in and traversed
the area led the explorers to the massive outcropping of ore. Their
heritage lives on in the name of Negaunee, which means
“pioneer” in Chippewa.
The Jackson Mine was established in 1845 in Negaunee to mine the
iron ore which would be shipped to steel making plants. The first
iron forge in the Lake Superior region was established soon after
in Negaunee as well.
The community grew. In 1858, Negaunee was given a post office.
In 1865, Negaunee was incorporated as a town and in 1868 the first
police force was formed. 1873 marks the year Negaunee was
recognized as a city. As mining operations expanded, many
immigrants helped settle the area, bringing with them rich
traditions that remain today. At one point in the city's history,
Negaunee was the second richest city, per capita in the world, with
Johanasburg, South Africa being first.
(History provided by http://www.cityofnegaunee.com/negaunee.html)
Population in 2010: 4,568
Population in 1910: 8,460
Population in 1873: 3,741 & 79 cows
