Silver Islet

Silver Islet

A rich deposit of silver was discovered on Silver Islet in 1868. A small island at the tip of the Sibley Peninsula, the mine was built deep below the waterline, and relied on breakwaters and pumps. 

Silver Islet was mined until 1884, when pumps failed, and the mine was flooded. The small community built on shore to support the mine is still inhabited. 

These photographs date from the time of the mine's operations, or a few decades afterwards. 

Silver Islet Mine

A plan of the mine. The document held by the Archives is a photostat of an original, dated 1878.

Silver Islet

Buildings at Silver Islet, circa 1890. 

Silver Islet Mine

Four mine workers on Silver Islet, circa 1890. 

Silver Islet

The town of Silver Islet, with the main building (general store) and smaller homes along the shorefront. Two ships docked at the marina. Circa 1890.

Silver Islet Town

The town of Silver Islet, from the view of Lake Superior. The general store can be seen, along with many homes along the shore. Circa 1884.

Silver Islet

Silver Islet during the winter. Three men and a dogsled. Circa 1890.

Silver Islet - The Immense Stamp Mill

The "Immense Stamp Mill" on Silver Islet cost around $100,000. Circa 1890. 3 workers can been seen in the photograph. 

Silver Islet Mine - Main Shaft

The main mine shaft located on Silver Islet. Photograph includes both miners and several children. Circa 1890.

Silver Islet Mine

On Silver Islet Mine was the 200 Engine House and Main Shaft. These buildings on Silver Islet are all destroyed now, about 1885-1890.

Silver Islet

Buildings located on the Silver Islet Mine. Date on photograph, April 1964.

Silver Islet - Store

The building in this photograph is of the General Store located in the town. Two people are standing on the dock in the marina. Circa 1890.

Silver Islet Mine

Silver Islet Mine 1902.

Silver Islet Mine

Silver Islet Mine, 1900. Multiple buildings that are built on the island. 

Silver Islet Mine

Some of the main buildings on the Silver Islet Mine, circa 1890.

Silver Islet - Jail

Interior view of the old Jail located on Silver Islet, circa 1890.

Silver Islet Mine

Silver Islet Mine in Operation during the 1870’s. Few workers in the background.

Silver Islet

The town of Silver Islet, circa 1890. 

Silver Islet - Old Government Office and Bank

The old Government Office and Bank located on the historic Silver Islet, circa 1890.

Silver Islet - Livingstone Mansion

The “Livingstone Mansion” at Silver Islet, Lake Superior. Circa 1876.

Silver Islet

A look at the Silver Islet Mine, circa 1880.

Silver Islet

Aerial view of the town of Silver Islet, circa 1880. Many homes and buildings operating on the shorelines. 

Silver Islet Mines

View of the Silver Islet Mines, circa 1890. 

Silver Islet