Good Luck, and Happy Caching!
Congratulations to glweber for the FTF!
COMING SOON: Keweenaw Historic GeoTrail!
This twenty cache trail will lead you on an adventure through Keweenaw National Historical Park and many of its partner Heritage Sites. We hope you enjoy the beautiful sights as you explore the copper mining history, connect with the people involved, and discover the unique geology that made it possible. Don't forget to record the portion of the cypher key hidden in this cache. Click or scan the QR code to download the Keweenaw Historic GeoTrail Passport, or click here to learn more.
NOTICE: This cache is placed on National Park Service land. Permission was granted by the Superintendent of Keweenaw National Historical Park. The lands of KNHP are open year round, 24 hours per day, for lawful visitor activities. The search for this cache will NOT require you to unscrew any nuts or bolts, dig into the ground, nor pry at bricks/stones of the building. Please be respectful of park property; failing to do so may jeopardize the future of geocaching in this park.
NPS Photo, Dan Johnson
This Cache will bring you to what is now the headquarters of the Keweenaw National Historical Park. This beautiful building, originally the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company General Office Building, was designed by the partnership of architects George Russell Shaw and Henry S. Hunnewell.
The beautiful mosaic-like design was constructed of brick, field stone and basalt ("poor rock", a waste product from the mines with very little value compared to the copper-rich conglomerate they were seeking).
It started out as just a fraction of what you see today, as it was built in three primary stages. The original General Office on the southwest side of the building was the first to be built and was completed in 1887. In 1900, the north wing and company pay shed were added and in 1909 the East wing was finished. With a brief walk around the building you can see these stages for yourself in the colors of the brick and mortar and other subtle differences.
For over 80 years, this building served the C&H Mining Company. It housed the office of the general manager, as well as the accounting, engineering, and personnel departments. In April of 1968, Universal Oil Products bought C&H and assumed control of its holdings, including this building. Under UOP, the building continued as it had previously, until later that year when a labor strike eventually lead to the end of mining operations and eventually the dissolution of C&H.
The building changed ownership again in 1978 when Drs. Gilbert and Baron purchased it. They renovated the former office space for use as their medical clinic.
In 1993 the National Park Service acquired the building, and it became the Headquarters of the Keweenaw National Historical Park.
Credit: Dan Johnson
For 100 years, the National Park Service has preserved America’s special places “for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” Celebrate its second century with the Find Your Park GeoTour that launched April 2016 and explore these geocaches placed for you by National Park Service Rangers and their partners.
geocaching.com/play/geotours/findyourpark