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Review & Frequenly Asked Questions:
The Cornish Pumping Engine and Mining Museum is operated by the Menominee Historic Society, and houses America’s largest steam-driven pumping engine, the Chapin Mine Pump Engine, built in 1889. The Chapin Mine of Iron Mountain was one of the wettest iron mines in history, and the pump was famous for making the iron ore accessible until 1896 when a crack developed in the engine due to a shift in the ground level. The museum houses the 54-foot tall pump alongside other mining equipment, artifacts and photographs from the era, including jack hammers, ore cars, engines and dynamite cars. In addition to being a Michigan State and National Historic Site, the pump and surrounding site are listed as a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark and a Michigan Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Cornish Pumping Engine and Mining Museum, 300 Kent St, Iron Mountain, MI 49801, Phone: 906-774-1086
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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