The North American Mine

The North American Mine was one of four of Thomas J. Walsh’s mining projects, started in the early 1900s and progressing until the mid 1920s. Walsh had many big plans for the area – the four iron mining operations, as well as the North American Brick, Tile and Pottery company which was already in operation, a gold and silver ore processing plant, and the Town of Walsh which would have supported the industry surrounding it and the railroad corridor of the Tower Junction.

The mine had issues with water leaking in. While it was dug it had to be deserted several times to be pumped out. The Foundation Company of New York and Chicago was brought in to sink a concrete shaft, which fixed part of the problem, except for a section of gravel at the uneven bottom of the shaft that was still allowing water in. A crew was selected to seal the section, by pumping liquid concrete into it until it bonded and solidified the gravel. After this point, the water issues were mostly over. It was reported that the mine only let in as much water as the typical mine, which would be considered a success.

The mine was beset with issues throughout the digging process, and ultimately didn’t turn into the producing mine that Walsh had foreseen. The mine had been closed at least by 1921. The only thing immediately noticeable about the former mine is the fireplace for the engine house which still stands, in rough condition.

Rumors circulated about the mine property’s sale in early 1924, but were denied by Walsh. At the time he was more interested in the North American Brick, Tile and Pottery Company’s factory. Brick was in high demand and the local clay was “pronounced by chemists as being of the very best quality for the manufacture of brick” and “brick now commands a good price” according to Walsh.

For more information about the North American Mine, please see the full article on LakeVermilion.net.