Hibbing, MN
Home of the the "Hull Rust Pit" - biggest operating open pit iron ore mine in the world, more than three miles long, two miles wide and 535 feet deep.
"This man-made "Grand Canyon of the North" was the first strip mine on the Mesabi Iron Range. The amazing view continues to grow as the Hibbing Taconite Company Mine expands its mining operations. Rotary drills, 33-cubic-yard shovels and 240-ton production trucks can been seen in action at this National Historic Site. Occasionally, you'll be able to witness a mining dynamite blast used to clear bedrock away to get to the iron ore."
The majority of the iron ore used in the making of armaments for WWI and WWII came from within a 40 mile radius of my hometown.
Ironically, the original townsite of Hibbing was sitting on this deposit of iron ore, so the mining company literally bought the whole town, sold the buildings back to the original owners (if they wanted to move them) for $1.00.
In exchange for demolishing the elementary and the high schools, the mining company built a new school - kindergarten through 2nd year of college. It was built in 1920 at a cost of $4,000,000.00. It was handicapped accessible when built (elevator), had 2 indoor gymnasiums, an indoor track, swimming pool and an audititorium that seated 2200 - whit italian crystal chandliers, theater style velvet seats, hand painted murals....
We're also the boyhood home of Bobby Dylan and the birthplace of Roger Maris and Gary Pucket (& the Union Gap).
The Greyhound busline was also founded here. I used to deliver the local newspaper to Andrew (Bus Andy) Anderson who was one of the founders. Originally started using a 1914 Hupmobile to transport miners from the town to the mine...
