Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1841-01-19
RESOURCES OF WISCONSIN

The resources of Wisconsin are continually deye
oping and avenues wealth are almost l1ilv beinq
made known Il is doubtful whether any other state
territory of the same age in settlement evor be-
fore displayed such rich and abundant ma sura sour
ces of wealth as this territory Scarcely five wears
ago, the name of Wisconsin was almost unknown To
the people of the United States-fsf less was under
stood of its fruitful soil its mineral treasures and its
beautiful climate. Within the memory of almost
every school boy, this portion of the earth was as
signed lo'the native aborigines on the map of North
America Its progress in settlement and improve
ment, has outstriped the most vivid conceptions of
the older states and the rank it has already obtained
is far in advance of the opinions which have been
formed abroad.
Not only has it been demonstrated to the unpreiu-
diced public mind, that our territory possesses a eli
mate congeniol to the health and physical existence
of man, and that our soil is unsurpassed in produc-
tons but have other invaluable resources
which distinguish from other portions of the Uni
ted States and its territories. mineral resources
of Wisconsin,are rich beyond parallel in the North
American states. The states of New England with
iier maturity of years, aud their long scientific re.
search in developing the hidden treasures of their
soil, dwinde into comparative insignifcancc in view
of what has already been discovered in the mineral
resources of Wisconsin. Yet all the results which
have been thus far exhibited, with reference 10 the
mineral wealth of this territory are but the develope.
ments of infancy. Who then can calculate what TIE
immense resources of Wisconsin will be- when once
explored, and submitted to a careful geological sur
Vey4
First in magnitude and importance in the mineral
resources eff Wisconsin, are its extensive lead mines
1t is computed by Doct. Owen, a gentleman whose
conclusions based upon actual in vesgation and
scientific research, that the lead region of the west
comprehends so townships, or 203e square miles
Of this lead region, 62 townships, upwards of
1000 square miles, are in Wisconsin. In this min
'eral region there smeed in 1888, upwards of
thirty millions of pounds Of lead Il is computed
that 10000 miners might be probably employed in
addition tothose which now working the mines.
The lead mines Of Wisconsin. including those of the
northwestern portion Of Illinois, unquesiiona5ly
the richest in the world and are capable of being
worked SO as TO produce more lead every year. than
'3 furnished by the entire mines of Europe
Next in Importance 10 the mineral resources Of
lead in Wisconsin, are those of copper. The smet-
ing of copper in this territory, has but very recently
excited attention. Owing TO successful discovery
recently made by two gentlemen near MineraPo
Of Il simple process IN separating the copper from
the ore, extraordinary impulse has been given to
the working ofour copper mines Nor has the exist
cnce of copper 10 any great extent been known until
quite recently. Investigations during the last year
have proved the gratifying results, that copper ore
nbounds 10 wide extent in Wisconsin. Men ofca-
pital and of enterprise are now directing their at
tention to the smelling of copper for nsportaon
10 eastern markets can they fail ofrealizing
profit in the business. Hitherto the copper used in
the United States, has been mainly brought from
Europe the time will soon arrive when the mines
OF Wisconsin, will furnish a supply sufficient to su
perceed the necessity of foreign importation. 1t is
conceded that the copper smelted in this terri
tory, can be afforded in the markets of our Atlantic
cities us cheap, il not cheaper than that which is
brought from Europe The quality of the ore raised
from the copper mines Of Wisconsin, is said to be su.
peror 10 that of any other country. TIE copper ore
from the mines Of England produces from to- 10 per
cent while the of Wisconsin yields from II to
20 per cent. Young men of moderate capital al the
east, who DESTROYS of adventunng would do we'll
enter into this wide field of enterprise, which is
now opening in this territory
Among other important mineral resources in Wis.
Consn the article of znc has been found to exist TO
inexhaustable extent. Hitherto in the mining
districts of the west zinc has been rejected as n
worthless drug but since it is now likely 10 become
un article of demand in the markets of the east, lis
importance hereafter will be entitled To consideration
1t Is supposed that zinc exists in sufficient quantities
IN Wisconsin, 10 supply the demand in the United
States and furnish in addition considerable quantities
for expectation to other countries. Zine is an i'm
portant ingredient in the manufacture of brass
which last mettle, is yearly increasing in demand in
the United States. Zinc is also becoming extensive
~ used, as q covering for houses, and many other
important purposes
Another important mineral resource of Wisconsin
is iron. Doct, Owen in his scientific researches on
this subject, in the mining region of Wisconsin and
Iowa says "The iron of this district of excel
lent quality, and in unlimited abundance" So
abundant is the article of iron in some of the mi
ming districts of the west, that it is said sufficient
quantities be found on the surface of the earth
without digging TO supply furnaces for years
Such are some ofthe invaluable resources Of Wis
consn which already developed. 1.-THE territorial
legislature shall provide for geological survey by
an individual competent 10 the work, agreeable TO
the recommendation of Governor Dodge a vast &c.
emulation Of interesting facts and discoveries may
be reasonably expected. One remarkable feature of
the mining districts in Wisconsin, is worthy of
lice An unproductve soil is characteristic
OF most countries throughout the world. In
Wisconsin, the lead and copper mines, are in the
midst of rich and productive soil, capable of pro-
ducng all the necessaries of life in the greatest
abundance. e.