Saturday, July 24, 2010

Day 5 - (07/23) Hancock, MI

We drove to Copper Harbor and used National Geographic’s Copper Country Trail route to tour the Keweenaw Peninsula today. Our stops included Ft. Wilkins, Eagle Harbor, Calumet Theatre and the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.

Background
During the 1840’s, rich copper deposits on the peninsula drew prospectors, miners and industrial capitalists to Copper Harbor. Mining had a huge influence on the area from 1843 to 1945.

Ft. Wilkins
The fort was built in 1844 to keep peace in Michigan’s copper country. It was abandoned just 2 years later as troops were withdrawn to support the Spanish-American War. It’s a well-preserved example of mid-19th century army life on the northern frontier. 19 buildings survive; 12 of them are original structures.

Eagle Harbor
We took the Brockway Mountain Drive (MI-26W by-way) out of Copper Harbor. It was 2 lanes, narrow and rough most of the way to Eagle Harbor. The climbs were pretty steep; the views from a mountaintop were unexpected.
We passed Great Sand Bay on the way to Eagle Harbor. The details on the sign below were worth remembering and sharing.

Calumet Theatre
The theatre was opened in 1900. This historic opera house still offers theatrical, musical and community events throughout the year. The list of performers is very long and impressive.

Portage Lake Lift Bridge
This is the world’s widest and heaviest double-deck lift bridge. It spans the canal between Houghton and Hancock. It’s the only connection to the rest of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

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