Opened in 1892, it was the first mine on the Mesabi Range, which has proved to be the largest iron ore deposit ever discovered in the United States.

[5] The property was nominated for setting in motion the extraction of iron ore on the Mesabi Range, which helped make Minnesota the nation's largest iron producer and the United States the world's largest steel manufacturer.

By 1893 the "Seven Iron Brothers" had claims on a significant portion of the Mesabi Range and had built the Duluth, Missabe and Northern Railway (DM&IR).

This capacity is considered to have been a major factor in America's ability to contribute to World War II.

[7] The extraction of ore in the region also contributed to the city of Duluth thriving and becoming the leading port in the United States (by tonnage) in the early 20th century.