New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-06-28
MINING IN LAKE SUPERIOR.

From Our Own Correspondent
MARQUETTE, Lake Superior, June %, 1855.
The Lake Superior Region few years since
was regarded as a bleak desolate and compare
lively worthless country. Indians, (Ojbwsys
or Chippewa's,) with trappers, were sparsely
scattered az numerous points on the coast aud
int rior-and fur-trsders had various established
stations for the prosecution of their business;
but aside from the abundance of rich fur, there
was nothing apparently to attract attention or
interest capital, for the immense pineries which
abounded, and which are often the source of
great wealth, were considered almost in4ccessi-
bic, and too remote to be important useful.
Yet the northern latitude, long and rigid
winters, scarcity of game, and impossibility Of
receiving supplies in winter could not, with ma
ny other combined obstacles, deter the esprit
Of Yankeedom" from exploring the swamps
and penetrating the densely tangled woods.
Announcement of mineral discoveries followed
announcement in rapid succession, electrifying
the nation with the astounding devel ,pments.
Inexhsustible beds of copper, veins of silver and
mountains OF ron with even gold, was said to exist
SPECTATORS regardless Oftruth the true interests
OF the country famed the spark of excitement into
a flame-bought land with no spec ofmineral upon
it-orpanized companies Ton paper -s0ld stock
(and stockholders) and pocketed /" the cash !" with
an inward chuckle at their own cuteness.
But the reaction came, as come il must; the
feyerish excitement moderated into careful stten.
tion. and with the exposure of baseless COM
papies and stoppage of wild speculation, the
country first began ts legitimate growth and to
exhibit its real wealth and varied resources. The
honor of being the first white man who discovered
the Iron Mountains though claimed by several,
properly belongs to S. T. Carr, a " Maine Yankee,
who emigrated to Michigan in lS4l.
In the Summer of 1916 Mr.. Carr started from
Detroit on a pleasure tour, and reaching Maeki-
nav fell in with some voyageurs whom ne accom-
paped 10 the Sault Ste. Marie. While at the
latter point he became acquainted with squaw
who in the course of 4 conversation about this
rountry, told him that an old trading post
her father once kept-called Crap Riyer-sOme
Indians had discovered a very heavy kind Of rock
which they thought would be useful to the whites.
At this time when copper discoveries on Lake
"Superior" were ringing throughout the land,
exnlorers' ears were wide open to catch the faint
eel wbisner of "new opening" and Mr. Carr
thinking something beneficial might result from
nroner exploration and having hearty Will and
nna;ncbine resolution determined on embarking
IN an adventurous enterprise BY dnt of careful
nuest;onpg he learned from the squsw that the
secret of the locality of the heavy rock was
known 10 her brother, Mad;jege-shiek, (slgnliylng
morning light who was then residing at Ia 'Anse'
an important trading post, and the seat OF
Methodist and Catholic Mission.
Engaging one Indian and bark canoe, Mr. Carr
left the Sault and ccasted TO Za'anse, where he
found Mad jege-shick, and under his guidance
the little canoe, gliding around rocky point, RIP
Med the water of what is now called Mar
Z onette Bay" and was soon safely hauled on the
sandy beach. .h,ot
had been IN the neighborhOod, be was unable 10
90 directly 10 the spot where the heavy rock
existed and Mr.. Carr commenced explorations 10
homes of being able to discover it in few days lay
Tine few, however, and nothing was found. Inc
elements seemed battling against the adventure
The provisions gave out, save such as Mature PlO
duced The uDderbrusb, undisturoeo lor cen, s,;
WAS tangled and so interviewer as TO prove aiorm-