Two Harbors, Minnesota
Encyclopedia
As of the census
of 2000, there were 3,613 people, 1,636 households, and 953 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,120.7 people per square mile (433.2/km²). There were 1,631 housing units at an average density of 505.9 per square mile (195.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.06% White, 0.06% African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.08% from other races
, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.61% of the population. 19.4% were of Norwegian
, 18.0% Swedish, 12.2% German
, 9.6% Finnish, 8.0% Irish
and 5.7% English
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 1,523 households out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples
living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.0% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 21.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $37,708, and the median income for a family was $47,113. Males had a median income of $39,712 versus $29,076 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $19,793. About 7.2% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.
Contrary to popular myth Whiskey Row was not destroyed by a fire in 1888. There was fire but it occurred before the first load of ore arrived in July 1884 and only seven buildings were damaged. It was reported that the merchants effected were in Duluth the next day purchasing materials to rebuild. The demise of Whiskey row had a much more modern tone.
The railroad rapidly expanded its rail and shipping operations and it needed all of the shoreline for its new coal handling and storage facility. By 1885 the Minnesota Iron Company convinced Thomas Sexton to sell his remaining four acres along Agate Bay. The railroad then simply evicted the tenants and moved any of the salvageable buildings inland. There are several homes in "east" Two Harbors whose original structures were built on Whiskey Row.
The iron ore railroad is deeply engraved in Two Harbors history. In fact, if it weren't for the discovery of nearby iron ore, Two Harbors would not exist. The Minnesota Iron Company bought 17000 acres (68.8 km²) of land in order to build their track. In Agate Bay (Two Harbors) most of the land was bought from Thomas Sexton, who by that time had owned the land for twenty years.
Although different locations were considered for the railroad terminus and shipping port, Agate Bay was chosen because it was closer to the iron ore site and provided a clay bottom bay, while most others were rocky.
Keep in mind that at time when the track was being developed the main transportation route was Lake Superior. This proved difficult when heavy loads such as railroad engines nearly sank the scows, or tugs, that carried them. The contractor, John. S. Wolfe, was told he would receive a bonus of $50,000 if the railroad was completed by August 1st 1884. Because the first of August was to fall on a Friday, and construction workers had strong superstitions about Fridays, it became important that the construction be completed by Thursday, July 31st. On that day, the first iron ore cars left Agate Bay early in the morning, along with a caboose for President Tower to ride in on the return trip.
The completion of the railway between Duluth and Two Harbors did not occur until 1886.
A 2-8-8-4 Yellowstone class steam locomotive is on display at Two Harbors. This is an example of the largest production steam locomotives ever built.
.
originally known as Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company was started by five men from the small town of Two Harbors, Minnesota. When the five founders of the company thought they had found mineral called corundum, which would be used for making sandpaper, they began the process of setting up a mining company. The five men who started the company were; Henry S. Bryan, Dr. J. Danley Budd, Herman Cable, William McGonagle, and John Dwan. To get the company started the men erected a large dock, crushing mill and bunk and storage houses. After selling the corundum to a company in Chicago the men learned that the corundum wasn’t really corundum and moved on to other ventures. In 1905 the company was moved to Duluth and then in 1907 it was moved to St. Paul. Despite moving the company out of Two Harbors the company still had ties in Two Harbors until the death of John Dwan. Now the only tie 3M has to Two Harbors is a museum in the original office of John Dwan
.
This museum is found in the original building of 3M. It was here in 1902 the businessmen laid the foundation for a successful global corporation. Exhibits include: Attorney John Dwan's recreated office and other artifacts; a history of the company including photos and documents; a "lab" area representing the establishment of research and development, product diversification and growth; and hands-on interactive programs and technology applications. The original office building has been restored and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
.
. was named after the president of the railroad's daughter, Edna Greatsinger, this tug is "one of a kind". The Edna G. stayed in Two Harbors its entire working career except for a small stint during World War II it spent two years on the east coast moving warships around. Until its retirement in 1981, the Edna G. was the last coal-fired, steam-powered tugboat in operation of the Great Lakes. The boat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
. Tours of this vessel are available from trained guides in the spring-fall from 10am to 5pm. A trip is made worthy by the richly decorated captain's quarters, a visit to the engine room, and seeing the pilot house, where the guide will allow you to the blow the horn.
It should be noted that Jacob Hangarner was Mrs. Stein's father.
In any situation, Beargrease's character showed through as committed and dependable. His role in the community was important because he was the only lifeline to the outside world.
A sled dog marathon was started as a tribute to John Beargrease for his vital role in the early history of the North Shore of Lake Superior. The race is considered "one of the most prestigious sled dog races" for the continental United States, covering nearly four hundred miles on the route between Duluth and Grand Portage. The race is traditionally held the last week of January.
There are four state parks within a short drive of Two Harbors. These include Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, and George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
.
There is also a wayside rest area where you can view Caribou Falls, Flood Bay, and the Kodonce River.
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 3,613 people, 1,636 households, and 953 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,120.7 people per square mile (433.2/km²). There were 1,631 housing units at an average density of 505.9 per square mile (195.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.06% White, 0.06% African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.08% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.61% of the population. 19.4% were of Norwegian
Norwegians
Norwegians constitute both a nation and an ethnic group native to Norway. They share a common culture and speak the Norwegian language. Norwegian people and their descendants are found in migrant communities worldwide, notably in United States, Canada and Brazil.-History:Towards the end of the 3rd...
, 18.0% Swedish, 12.2% German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 9.6% Finnish, 8.0% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
and 5.7% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 1,523 households out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.0% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 21.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $37,708, and the median income for a family was $47,113. Males had a median income of $39,712 versus $29,076 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $19,793. About 7.2% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.
Whiskey Row
By 1883 the Minnesota Iron Company had purchased all but four acres of Thomas Sextons land around Agate Bay. Sexton leased his remaining four acres to merchants seeking to capitalize on the 600 man workforce arriving to build the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad. He divided his four acres into 32 lots. As with any frontier town of the day it was a largely male population and the construction camp had all the vices and virtues one might expect to find in a frontier community. The infamous four acre plot earned the nickname Whiskey Row, and was said to exist for the sole purpose of "relieving a man from his pay".Contrary to popular myth Whiskey Row was not destroyed by a fire in 1888. There was fire but it occurred before the first load of ore arrived in July 1884 and only seven buildings were damaged. It was reported that the merchants effected were in Duluth the next day purchasing materials to rebuild. The demise of Whiskey row had a much more modern tone.
The railroad rapidly expanded its rail and shipping operations and it needed all of the shoreline for its new coal handling and storage facility. By 1885 the Minnesota Iron Company convinced Thomas Sexton to sell his remaining four acres along Agate Bay. The railroad then simply evicted the tenants and moved any of the salvageable buildings inland. There are several homes in "east" Two Harbors whose original structures were built on Whiskey Row.
Two Harbors High School
In 1901 the village of Two Harbors decided it needed a high school. February 12, 1902 Two Harbors Central High School was dedicated at a total cost of $35,025. This school was on the 400 block of Fourth Avenue. It had fifty students and three teachers. The first of these students to graduate were Mary Rylander and Ann Paulson. The school offered arithmetic, grammar, and American History. Very little English was taught at the time. In 1903 Latin and music were introduced. Courses in science and sewing were added in 1906. Manual training and domestic services were not introduced until 1908. By 1909 the school had almost doubled with ninety-eight students and seven teachers. By 1910 one of the school's proudest achievements, its library, had seven thousand books. Plans for a new building were announced in 1935, at an estimated $100,000. The original Central High School was demolished and the new building was completed in 1939. At completion, and after all additions were made, the total cost was $585,000. A referendum for a new building to be located two miles (3 km) north of town on Highway 2 was passed in 2003. Building was completed and classes began in 2005. Students enjoy the hiking trails in the woods, around ponds, and the football field. The former high school on 4th Avenue was demolished in 2008.Railroad
The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers a variety of trips to today's patrons. On the twenty-six miles of track between Duluth and Two Harbors, one can choose options for two to six hour rides through the woodlands and along the shore of Lake Superior. These options include the Casual Pizza train, Elegant Dining, Dinner Train, Charters, and Steam Train trips.The iron ore railroad is deeply engraved in Two Harbors history. In fact, if it weren't for the discovery of nearby iron ore, Two Harbors would not exist. The Minnesota Iron Company bought 17000 acres (68.8 km²) of land in order to build their track. In Agate Bay (Two Harbors) most of the land was bought from Thomas Sexton, who by that time had owned the land for twenty years.
Although different locations were considered for the railroad terminus and shipping port, Agate Bay was chosen because it was closer to the iron ore site and provided a clay bottom bay, while most others were rocky.
Keep in mind that at time when the track was being developed the main transportation route was Lake Superior. This proved difficult when heavy loads such as railroad engines nearly sank the scows, or tugs, that carried them. The contractor, John. S. Wolfe, was told he would receive a bonus of $50,000 if the railroad was completed by August 1st 1884. Because the first of August was to fall on a Friday, and construction workers had strong superstitions about Fridays, it became important that the construction be completed by Thursday, July 31st. On that day, the first iron ore cars left Agate Bay early in the morning, along with a caboose for President Tower to ride in on the return trip.
The completion of the railway between Duluth and Two Harbors did not occur until 1886.
A 2-8-8-4 Yellowstone class steam locomotive is on display at Two Harbors. This is an example of the largest production steam locomotives ever built.
Two Harbors Cigar Factories
The first Two Harbors Cigar Factory was called just that. Built in 1900 by John H. Kallin, it was located on the 100 block of 7th Street. The local trade alone required about 30,000 cigars each month. These cigars came in eight regular brands and five specialty. In 1907 Ed Sorenson built "Sorenson Cigar Factory". Neither factory is still in operation.Universal Fiberglass
In 1964 the abandoned DM&IR railroad buildings were used to open Universal Fiberglass. Producing three wheel mailsters for the United States Postal Service was their main contract, worth multi-millions. In addition, car fenders and like objects were also produced. When a fire caused enough damage that they could no longer fulfill the above mentioned contract, the GSA shut them down. The property was sold at a public auctionPublic auction
A public auction is an auction held on behalf of a government in which the property to be auctioned is either property owned by the government, or property which is sold under the authority of a court of law or a government agency with similar authority....
.
Bottling Works
Two Harbors Bottling works began in 1912. They offered flavors of pop such as cream soda, ginger ale, cider, and seltzer water. The company became especially known for their strawberry pop's unique flavor-a creamier and more natural one than the rest. This business is no longer running.3M
3M3M
3M Company , formerly known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, is an American multinational conglomerate corporation based in Maplewood, Minnesota, United States....
originally known as Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company was started by five men from the small town of Two Harbors, Minnesota. When the five founders of the company thought they had found mineral called corundum, which would be used for making sandpaper, they began the process of setting up a mining company. The five men who started the company were; Henry S. Bryan, Dr. J. Danley Budd, Herman Cable, William McGonagle, and John Dwan. To get the company started the men erected a large dock, crushing mill and bunk and storage houses. After selling the corundum to a company in Chicago the men learned that the corundum wasn’t really corundum and moved on to other ventures. In 1905 the company was moved to Duluth and then in 1907 it was moved to St. Paul. Despite moving the company out of Two Harbors the company still had ties in Two Harbors until the death of John Dwan. Now the only tie 3M has to Two Harbors is a museum in the original office of John Dwan
John Dwan Office Building
The John Dwan Office Building, located at 201 Waterfront Drive in Two Harbors, in the U.S. state of Minnesota was the location where Dwan, a Two Harbors attorney drew up the incorporation papers for the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company in 1902...
.
This museum is found in the original building of 3M. It was here in 1902 the businessmen laid the foundation for a successful global corporation. Exhibits include: Attorney John Dwan's recreated office and other artifacts; a history of the company including photos and documents; a "lab" area representing the establishment of research and development, product diversification and growth; and hands-on interactive programs and technology applications. The original office building has been restored and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
.
Lake County Search and Rescue
Lake County Search and Rescue is a division of Lake County's Sheriff department. It was created in 1971 and placed in Two Harbors. The formation of the service was helped by Silver Bay Search and Rescue. Its first meeting place was a room at the depot, from there it moved to the old Svee Distributing building at 616 3rd Avenue (currently Social Services Office). In 1980 it took over the former U.S. Forestry Service garage complex on 16th Ave.The Edna G. Tugboat
Built in 1896, the Edna GEdna G
The Edna G is a tugboat which worked the Great Lakes. The railroad paid $35,397.50 for the Edna G. in 1896. It was out of service from 1931 to 1933 due to the depression. The Edna G. was built by the Cleveland Shipbuilding Company in 1896 for the Duluth & Iron Range RY...
. was named after the president of the railroad's daughter, Edna Greatsinger, this tug is "one of a kind". The Edna G. stayed in Two Harbors its entire working career except for a small stint during World War II it spent two years on the east coast moving warships around. Until its retirement in 1981, the Edna G. was the last coal-fired, steam-powered tugboat in operation of the Great Lakes. The boat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
. Tours of this vessel are available from trained guides in the spring-fall from 10am to 5pm. A trip is made worthy by the richly decorated captain's quarters, a visit to the engine room, and seeing the pilot house, where the guide will allow you to the blow the horn.
The Legend of John Beargrease
Mok-qua Bennete, or John Beargrease as he was better known, was an Ojibway man who delivered the mail between Two Harbors and Grand Marais. The following is a story found in "Memoirs and Experiences at Beaver Bay and Duluth" by H.P. Wieland, as told by Mrs. John Stein (first caucasian child born in Lake County) about how John did indeed engage a bear.
"Mok-qua Bennette was his real name. On the way to Beaver Bay in 1870 he spied a bear (named Mok-qua) sunning itself under a large spruce. Because of weather conditions - three feet of snow - it was impossible for the bear to move fast. The bear looked like good meat to the Indian who, unfortunately, didn't have a gun with him. He took a ten foot stick and attached a butcher knifeButcher knifeA butcher knife is a knife designed and used primarily for the butchering and/or dressing of animals.During the late 18th century to mid 1840s, the butcher knife was a key tool for mountain men. Simple, useful and cheap to produce, they were used for everything from skinning beaver, cutting food,...
to it thinking he would stab the bear to death. All he could do was tickle the bear. Seeing his method didn't work he cut a piece from a birch sapling with his tomahawk and tried to kill the bear by clubbing him to death. After the first blow he fell back while drawing away and got tangled in the limbs of the fallen tree. Mok-qua attacked the Indian, clawing his shoulder and arms. He did not bite him. The bear left the Indian who was unconscious. The Indian regained consciousness at night and when he did he was very sick and almost frozen. He somehow dragged himself to the farm of Jacob Hangarner who, after warming and feeding him, brough him to Beaver Bay. The Indian suffered more from exposure than from the attack."
It should be noted that Jacob Hangarner was Mrs. Stein's father.
In any situation, Beargrease's character showed through as committed and dependable. His role in the community was important because he was the only lifeline to the outside world.
A sled dog marathon was started as a tribute to John Beargrease for his vital role in the early history of the North Shore of Lake Superior. The race is considered "one of the most prestigious sled dog races" for the continental United States, covering nearly four hundred miles on the route between Duluth and Grand Portage. The race is traditionally held the last week of January.
Other
The city also hosts the Lake County Fair, The Two Harbors Folk Festival, as well as numerous other community activities held throughout the year.Parks and Recreation
Two Harbors provides five parks within the city limits. These parks are well maintained and provide picnic tables, baseball, soccer, and football fields, and playground equipment. One of the parks also houses the "band shell" home of the Two Harbors City Band, the oldest city band existing in Minnesota.There are four state parks within a short drive of Two Harbors. These include Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, and George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is a state park of Minnesota, USA, located between Tettegouche State Park and Temperance River State Park on the North Shore of Lake Superior, near the town of Little Marais. It is situated on the Manitou River and was intentionally left largely...
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Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park is a short drive from Two Harbors (13 miles) and offers a variety of activities for the entire family.The park includes scenic waterfalls, historic structures, miles of trails, visitor center, nature store, and a year-around naturalist. View the mighty Gooseberry River that contains the Upper, Middle, and Lower falls. Also, sit back and enjoy a passing ship on Lake Superior or Lake Superior itself. Camping is also available in the park.There is also a wayside rest area where you can view Caribou Falls, Flood Bay, and the Kodonce River.
Tettegouche State Park
Located on the Baptism River, Tettegouche is the largest park located on the North Shore covering over 9300 acres (37.6 km²). Campers can stay in either the two campgrounds, remote hike-in or modern drive-in rental cabins. Features include six inland lakes, two and a half miles of Lake Superior Shoreline, and four beautiful waterfalls. Visitors can take advantage of the hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, skiing and snowmobile trails available.Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is also located near Two Harbors, Minnesota and offers a variety of activities to do in and around the park boundary.The park is most known for its historic lighthouse for which it is named after. Activities include hiking, camping,waterfalls, historic tours, and of course picnicking along the Lake Superior shoreline. Also, the parks hiking trails link to the well known Superior Hiking Trail which visitors are also encouraged to walk.Split Rock Lighthouse
Today, Split Rock Lighthouse is part of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Split Rock Lighthouse was completed in 1910 by the United States Lighthouse Service following many shipwrecks from a November gale wind in 1905. Today, visitors to the lighthouse can take tours of the structure,the fog-signal building,and the renovated keeper's home. Located nearby the lighthouse is a visitor's center in which guests can find more information about the lighthouse as well as purchase souvenirs. Tours of the lighthouse structure take place during the summer months between May 15 and October 15 each year. However, the visitors center is open all year.Trails
Two Harbors, Minnesota offers miles of trails for all types of recreation. These include the Trailhead to the North which is a starting point for many different hiking trails.The Sonju hiking trail is a great way to view the North Shore during the Summer months. Gitchi-Gami State Trail is available for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and skaters. Northshore State Snowmobile Trail offers many miles of scenic views for snowmobilers. Although Yukon Snowmobile Trail and Brimson Snowmobile Trail are also great ways to get out and see the North Shore.If snowmbiling is not your thing, the Erkki Harju Ski Trail offers a great alternative for all nature lovers.Ice Skating
The Two Harbors/Lake County Arena schedules free public ice skating during the winter on both the inside rink and two outside lighted rinks. Within the town there are two other outdoor rinks with lights available for use. One is located at Odegard Park, and the second is at Segog Park.Notable natives
- Philip BerriganPhilip BerriganPhilip Francis Berrigan was an internationally renowned American peace activist, Christian anarchist and former Roman Catholic priest...
- Catonsville NineCatonsville NineThe Catonsville Nine were nine Catholic activists who burned draft files to protest the Vietnam War. On May 17, 1968 they went to the draft board in Catonsville, Maryland, took 378 draft files, brought them to the parking lot in wire baskets, dumped them out, poured homemade napalm over them, and...
member born here. (His brother Daniel was born in a nearby town) - Rhonda BrittenRhonda BrittenRhonda Britten is the founder of the Fearless Living Institute, an inspirational and life-changing speaker and bestselling author...
- Actress, Best-selling author, Motivational speaker and coach Starting OverStarting Over (TV series)Starting Over is an American reality TV show that follows the lives of women who are experiencing difficulty in their lives and want to make changes, with the help of life coaches. It was the first reality TV show to be nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award. Six women at a time work to overcome...
born here - Lute OlsonLute OlsonRobert Luther "Lute" Olson is a retired American men's basketball coach. He was most recently head coach at the University of Arizona for a period of 25 years. He was also head coach at the University of Iowa for 9 years and California State University, Long Beach for one season...
– Hall of Fame college basketball coach, who coached the Two Harbors High School basketball team from 1957–1961 - Johnny WesternJohnny WesternJohnny Western is an American country singer-songwriter, musician, actor, and radio show host. He is a member of the Western Music Association Hall of Fame and the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame.-Early life:...
- Singer, songwriter, musician and actor born here.
External links
- http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/split_rock_lighthouse
- http://www.ci.two-harbors.mn.us/