Nestled along the rugged shores of Lake Superior’s Minnesota North Shore, Taconite Harbor stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era. Taconite Harbor offers a unique twist on the idea of a ghost town, as it is actually a ghost harbor. Once a thriving community, it has since faded into history, leaving behind stories of prosperity and decline.
Watch this short video by CBS News reporter John Lauritsen, as he looks at the rise and fall of Taconite Harbor in Cook County. The video was the inspiration for this article.
The Flourishing Years: A Town Built for Industry
From the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s, Taconite Harbor was a bustling hub of activity. Established primarily to support the burgeoning iron ore industry, the town was strategically positioned to facilitate the transportation of Taconite pellets, a key component in steelmaking. At its zenith, Taconite Harbor boasted around 20 homes, a town hall, a fire hall, and even a school complete with sports teams.
A significant element of the town’s success was the construction of a protective brick wall around two nearby islands on Lake Superior. This engineering feat safeguarded the boats transporting iron ore, ensuring smooth operations at the loading dock. The influx of workers required to manage this operation necessitated the rapid development of housing, leading to the creation of the entire community.
The Boom and Bust of the Taconite Industry
Taconite Harbor’s prosperity was closely linked to the iron ore industry, which experienced a dramatic boom in the 1950s and 1960s. The town became a critical point of operation, with Taconite pellets being shipped in vast quantities—up to 10 million tons annually—to the East Coast. The production of Taconite, a low-grade iron ore, became a cornerstone of the region’s economy, transforming the Iron Range and surrounding areas.
However, this boom was not to last. By the early 1980s, the Taconite industry faced a severe downturn. The economic crash was driven by several factors, including fluctuating market demand and the high costs of production. As a result, Taconite Harbor, once thriving, was hit hard. Families were forced to leave in search of new employment opportunities, marking the beginning of the town’s decline.
The Decline and Abandonment
The decline of Taconite Harbor mirrored the broader struggles of the Iron Range. As the industry faltered, the town’s once-bustling streets became eerily quiet. In the aftermath of the exodus, a real estate developer purchased many of the town’s homes, relocating and selling them individually. By the early 1990s, most of Taconite Harbor’s structures had vanished, and a decade later, even the dock that had once been central to the town’s economy was abandoned.
The commercialization of Taconite, detailed in historical records, reflects a larger narrative of industrial change. According to sources like MNopedia, the shift towards Taconite as a major industry was both a boon and a burden. The reliance on Taconite transformed the regional economy but also introduced new challenges that eventually contributed to the town’s downfall.
Preserving the Legacy: The Cross River Heritage Center
Today, the story of Taconite Harbor is preserved through efforts at the Cross River Heritage Center. Steve Shug, President of the Center, is dedicated to ensuring that the history of Taconite Harbor is not forgotten. The Heritage Center periodically hosts reunions and maintains an exhibit that highlights the town’s vibrant past. Follow the center on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/crossriverheritagecenter.
The exhibit offers a glimpse into the everyday life of Taconite Harbor’s residents, including colorful anecdotes like the Taconite dust that would turn freshly washed laundry red. Additionally, it recounts significant events such as a train derailment involving over 90 cars loaded with Taconite, a mishap that fortunately resulted in no serious injuries.
Shug emphasizes the importance of remembering Taconite Harbor as a lively, viable community. “It was a fun place to live and a fun place for kids to grow up,” he reflects in the CBS video at the beginning of this article. His commitment to sharing this history ensures that the memories of Taconite Harbor continue to live on, even if the physical town has disappeared.
Cross River Heritage Center Location
7932 W Highway, Schroeder, MN 55613
Conclusion: A Legacy Remembered
Taconite Harbor may no longer be a physical place, but its legacy lives on through the stories of those who experienced its rise and fall. As a ghost harbor, it serves as a testament to the transformative power of industry and the enduring spirit of its people. Through preservation efforts and historical recounting, the tale of Taconite Harbor remains a vital part of Lake Superior’s rich history.
References
MNopedia – Commercialization of Taconite
- URL: https://www.mnopedia.org/thing/commercialization-taconite
- This source offers insights into the commercialization of Taconite and its impact on the Iron Range, providing background on the broader economic and industrial changes that influenced towns like Taconite Harbor.
Cross River Heritage Center
- URL: http://www.crossriverheritagecenter.org/
- This site provides information about the Cross River Heritage Center, which preserves the history of Taconite Harbor and organizes events and exhibits related to the town’s past.
Minnesota Historical Society – Iron Range History
- URL: https://www.mnhs.org/ironrange
- The Minnesota Historical Society’s site on the Iron Range offers a broader historical context for the region, including the development and decline of towns reliant on the iron ore industry.
