Near Bessemer in Gogebic County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Copper Peak Chippewa Hill
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, July 18, 2011
1. Copper Peak Chippewa Hill Marker
Inscription.
Copper Peak Chippewa Hill. . At an altitude of more than 1500 feet, 300 feet above the surrounding terrain, this location was the southernmost area in Michigan to offer a prospect of producing copper in commercial amounts. The Chippewa Copper Mining Company began work here in 1845, sinking a still-visible tunnel into the granite rock. No copper was ever produced, although around 1900 the Old Peak Company made further explorations. In 1970 a 280-foot ski slide, the highest in the world, was completed on the peak in time for the western hemisphere’s first international ski flying tournament here. Skiers record flights of nearly 500 feet from this slide.
At an altitude of more than 1500 feet, 300 feet above the surrounding terrain, this location was the southernmost area in Michigan to offer a prospect of producing copper in commercial amounts. The Chippewa Copper Mining Company began work here in 1845, sinking a still-visible tunnel into the granite rock. No copper was ever produced, although around 1900 the Old Peak Company made further explorations. In 1970 a 280-foot ski slide, the highest in the world, was completed on the peak in time for the western hemisphere’s first international ski flying tournament here. Skiers record flights of nearly 500 feet from this slide.
Erected 1974 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L0292.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1500.
Location. 46° 35.921′ N, 90° 5.304′ W. Marker is near Bessemer, Michigan, in Gogebic County. Marker is on Copper Peak Road, half a mile north of Black River Parkway (County Route 513), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bessemer MI 49911, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow
4. Back side of ski jump from Black River Parkway.
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, July 18, 2011
5. Copper Peak Ski Flying Hill
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, July 18, 2011
6. Base of the hill and lift.
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, July 18, 2011
7. From base of hill looking up to ski jump.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2011, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 863 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 25, 2011, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
