Keweenaw

Keweenaw is a peninsula located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, United States. It is the northernmost part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and is known for its rich copper deposits and historic mining operations. The name "Keweenaw" is derived from the Ojibwe language and means "portage or place where portage is made".

Geography

The Keweenaw Peninsula is surrounded by Lake Superior on three sides and connected to the rest of the Upper Peninsula by a narrow strip of land. The peninsula is approximately 75 miles long from its base to its tip and 15 miles wide at its widest point. The highest point on the Keweenaw Peninsula is Mount Bohemia, which stands at 1,328 feet above sea level.

Geology

The Keweenaw Peninsula is known for its unique geology. It is home to the world's largest native copper deposit. The copper mining in Keweenaw started in the 1840s and continued until the 1960s. The area is also known for its basalt and sandstone formations, as well as for its fossils.

Health and Medicine

The Keweenaw Peninsula has several healthcare facilities, including the Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital in Laurium, and the Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center in Houghton. These facilities provide a range of medical services to the residents of the peninsula.

History

The Keweenaw Peninsula has a rich history, dating back to the prehistoric era. The area was first inhabited by the Ojibwe people, who mined copper from the surface. In the 1840s, European settlers arrived and established large-scale mining operations. The peninsula's mining history is preserved in several historic sites and museums, including the Quincy Mine and the Keweenaw National Historical Park.

See Also

• Copper mining in Michigan
• History of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
• Ojibwe people

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