I saw this in Google Maps while planning our trip to National Park sites in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
- TACONITE TIMELINE
- 1870: Vast reserves of taconite, a low-grade iron ore, are discovered near Babbitt on the Mesabi Iron Range in Minnesota.
- 1913: Edward Wilson Davis begins working on taconite, developing methods to process it.
- 1950s: The taconite industry begins to take shape as extraction and processing techniques are refined.
- 1955-1975: The taconite industry flourishes, driven by scientific advancements and increased demand for iron.
- 1970s: Taconite becomes a significant source of iron for steel mills, particularly in the Great Lakes region.
- Present: Taconite continues to be a vital resource in iron mining, with ongoing developments in processing technology
The Edmund Fitzgerald was carrying a load of Taconite when it sank on November 10, 1975. Gordon Lightfoot wrote, composed, and performed “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”. The song was released on August 1976. The song peaked at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Canadian RPM chart upon its release. The song hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Rock Digital Song Sales chart in November 2025 during the 50th-anniversary of the sinking.
John U. Bacon released Gales of November on October 7, 2025. The book is an depth review of the construction, crew and aftermath of the doomed ship. The book was recommended to me by our oldest daughter. It was a great recommendation.
HISTORY IS FASCINATING, STEVE