- Houghton County -

Osceola Mine Disaster

1895

Located in the heart of Michigan's Copper Country, about twelve miles northeast of Houghton, is the Osceola Mine, site of the worst copper mining disaster to ever occur in the region.

At 11:30 on the morning of September 7, 1895, fire was discovered at the 27th level in the No. 3 shaft. Mine fires weren't an uncommon occurence and there was no sense of alarm as a group of miners attempted to douse the flames with buckets of water. Instead of being doused the flames grew, feeding on the wooden braces in the shaft. Word was passed through the mine to evacuate as thick smoke filled the shaft, driving off all attempts to extinguish the blaze. Not comprehending the seriousness of the situation a number of the mine workers lagged behind until escape was impossible. By 12:30 smoke was pouring out from No. 3 shaft and families had gathered at the mouth of the shaft. By late afternoon it became obvious that all hope was gone for anyone who had not already come to the surface and the openings to the shafts were sealed with planking and sod in an attempt to smother the blaze. Still hanging in the dry house were 30 suits of unclaimed clothes.

Several attempts were made to enter the mine over the next few days with smoke driving the would be searchers back each time. It was five days before the air had cleared enough to allow a party to enter the mine and search for victims.

- List of Victims -

Once a major employer in the area the mine was permanently closed in 1968.