Mohawk Mining Co. - Beautiful Indian Vignette - 1912-1929 dated Michigan Mining Stock Certificate

Stock printed by John A. Lowell Bank Note Co. Boston. The Mohawk Mining Company, a notable copper mining firm situated in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, was established in November 1898 and remained operational until 1932. Throughout its operation from 1906 to 1932, the company paid out more than $15 million in dividends to its shareholders. It is especially famous for the large amounts of mohawkite found on its site. The mine continued its activities until 1932, after which it was purchased by the Copper Range Company in 1934. 

Initially, the location was considered too far east to produce valuable ore deposits. The mining potential was first identified in 1896 when lumberman Ernest Koch discovered copper in the region. Following this find, Joseph E. Gay successfully explored for copper on the property in 1898, which led to the formation of the company that November, with John Stanton as president. Shares were initially offered at $7.50, and by the end of 1899, the company had garnered 594 individual stockholders. Construction at the site began in 1899 after the company obtained $7,517.50 in financing. The initial development involved the digging of Shafts No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3, each containing three compartments, two skiproads, and a specific pipe and ladder way compartment. Shaft No. 2 was fitted with an 8-drill air compressor, while Shaft No. 3 contained a 25-drill air compressor, both produced by Ingersoll Sergeant and employing Rand drills for underground work. A fourth shaft was introduced in 1901.