Iron Frontier: The Discovery and Early Development Of Minnesota's Three Ranges

by David A. Walker

David A. Walker tells the story of the opening of the last iron- ore frontier in the United States on the Vermilion, Mesabi, and Cuyuna ranges of Minnesota--the nation’s largest ore deposits. Walker explores the formative years from the 1880s to the early 1900s in the development of the state’s mining industry, the “iron men” it produced, the new towns it spawned, and the railroads it built to transport the new-found wealth to growing ports on Lake Superior. Drawing on manuscripts, newspaper accounts, and business and financial records, Walker’s study provides an economic history of an industry whose dimensions reached far beyond the borders of Minnesota.

329 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jeff Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent historical writing on Minnesota's Iron Mining industry. I have an interest in mining and the area, and enjoyed it very much. I am going to follow up with a trip up to the "range" this summer to see the places for myself. Very good read.