Site History: Oliver Iron Mining Company Shops and Laboratory, Canisteo District, Coleraine, Minnesota

Abstract

The Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory (historically known as the Oliver Iron Mining Company Shops and Laboratory) is a complex of buildings situated on the north side of the town of Coleraine, Itasca County Minnesota (Figure 1, Plates 1, 2). Originally created by the Oliver Iron Mining Company, part of the United States Steel Corporation, in support of its operations in the Canisteo Mining District, the facility was initially constructed in 1906 with modifications until at least 1963. In 1962, U.S. Steel moved its research laboratory from Duluth to the Coleraine facility. By 1986, as mining activity on Minnesota's Iron Range decreased, U.S. Steel negotiated an agreement with the University to carry out its research activities under contract with the Natural Resources Research Institute. Under this arrangement the staff, and much of the equipment, was transferred to the University. U.S. Steel retained ownership of the property until October 16, 1996, when it officially transferred title to the University.

In 1995 the University applied to the Economic Development Administration, a federal agency, and to the Minnesota Legislature for grants to renovate the facility, which included the proposed removal of some buildings. Both sources have been obtained. Consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office, required under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, resulted in a finding that the property was historically significant and was eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The property is significant for its association with the development of the Mesabi Iron Range.

This report discusses the history of the Oliver Iron Mining Company Shops and Laboratory in the context of the· company's activity in the western Mesabi. After a brief discussion of ore conditions in the western Mesabi, and how those posed particular obstacles to successful mining, the report discusses the activities of the Oliver Iron Mining Company. The final section of the report addresses the facility in greater detail. The Oliver Iron Mining Company Shops and Laboratory is eligible for nomination to the National Register under Criterion A, for its association with the development of iron ore on the Western Mesabi. Although the property has been modified, it retains sufficient integrity to convey its historic significance. The period of significance for the property extends from 1906, when the oldest extant buildings were constructed on the site, to 1947, which marks the National Register's "50 year rule." This report, however, discusses the continued evolution of the site and its functions beyond 1947 in the interest of developing a more complete history of the facility and its use. Accordingly, there is a discussion of the research function at the Oliver Iron Mining Company as it developed in Duluth in 1943, was moved to the Coleraine facility in 1962- 63, and continued through the transfer of the facility to the University of Minnesota in 1986. Sponsored applied mineral research continued at the facility after that point, but the transfer to public ownership provides an appropriate end date for this history.