Spruce Mine, surface plant with shaft head frame

Abstract

The Spruce Mine (Adams-Spruce Mine) iron deposits were discovered on the future site of Evelith, Minnesota in the Virginia-Evelith district. The Adams Mining Company was formed to exploit them in 1892. The Adams-Spruce mines were worked as both underground and open pit mines. The Spruce Mine was later operated by the Oliver Iron Mining Company. The Oliver Iron Mining Company was organized in 1892 to mine deposits in the Mesabi Range near Virginia, Minnesota. The Company acquired mineral properties elsewhere in Minnesota and in the Upper Peninsula. By 1901 the Company was a division of United States Steel Corporation.