Box 15, Folder 2: Geology Notes 1869-1873

Black River Falls

Polsdam

Chlorite [Slates]

Granite

Trab

Chlorite

Ferrunginous Schists

[Black River Falls Geographical Map].

Map for accompanying notesPreserved 1869 J. 21 R 4 N 4th [illegible] J 21 R 3 n " " July 21-22

July 21st 1869

Examined the rocks and ore beds at Black River Falls, Jackson County

The ore is slaty with a dip towards the south - nearly perpendicular, flanked on both sides by [chloretic?] slate. South of this is a dyke or layer of Greenstone & then reddish or grayish granite to the foot of the falls The greenstone is cut by the rail road grade half a mile from the village - the ore at one mile being nearly opposite the mouth of Levin's Creek

[pencil sketch]

1 3

The remains of an old iron furnace still exist near the mouth of Levins creek built partly of sandstone stone, partly of brick - and masses of iron, slag, and partially smelted iron lie about. Many tons of iron were made, some of which is still in use in the saw mills at Black River falls. The work was discontinued in 1857 - The want of limestone for a flux, and of hard=wood charcoal, as well as the [cont?] of transportation to market were the causes of failure here. Perhaps the quality of the ore when not the some as the German workmen were accustomed to, and required a different [treatment?], only to be ascertained after careful experiment.

The opening of a rail=road to this place and its continuation to Minnesota, where by late announcement these appears to be coal, May change the condition of these so that this abundant supply of iron may be brought into use