ELY TOWNSHIP, MI— A Facebook page commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Barnes-Hecker mine disaster says Ely Township is purchasing land the mine is on.
On November 3, 1926, the iron ore mine four miles west of Ishpeming caved in, killing 51 people. It’s the worst industrial disaster in Michigan history.
The Barnes-Hecker 100th Anniversary page says Ely Township has bought 20 acres of land that includes the mine. Plans are to create a memorial park at the shaft site and surrounding area.
The page says the township is partnering with the Ishpeming Historical Society, the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, the Marquette Regional History Center, and the Barnes-Hecker 100th Anniversary Committee for planning and fundraising efforts to bring the park to fruition.
