Eveleth, Minnesota

Last updated

Eveleth
City
Eveleth Auditorium and Fire Department, looking northeast, Eveleth, Minnesota.jpg
Eveleth Auditorium and Fire Department
Nickname: 
"Hockey Town"
Motto: 
"Where dreams come true!”
St. Louis County Minnesota Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Eveleth Highlighted.svg
Location of the city of Eveleth
within St. Louis County, Minnesota
Coordinates: 47°27′46″N92°32′25″W / 47.46278°N 92.54028°W / 47.46278; -92.54028
Country United States
State Minnesota
County St. Louis
Established1893
Government
 •  Mayor Adam Roen
Area
[1]
 • Total
6.48 sq mi (16.78 km2)
 • Land6.30 sq mi (16.33 km2)
 • Water0.17 sq mi (0.45 km2)
Elevation
[2]
1,591 ft (485 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
3,493
 • Density554.09/sq mi (213.94/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
55734
Area code 218
FIPS code 27-19934
GNIS feature ID0661233 [2]
Website City of Eveleth

Eveleth is a city in St. Louis County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 3,493 at the 2020 census. [3] Eveleth is part of the Quad Cities, with Virginia, Gilbert, and Mountain Iron. U.S. Highway 53 and State Highway 37 (MN 37) are two of the main routes that run through the city.

Contents

Eveleth was the site of the conflict that resulted in the court case Jenson v. Eveleth Taconite Co. , and is the site of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

History

Eveleth Carnegie Library Eveleth Carnegie Library.JPG
Eveleth Carnegie Library

The Village of Eveleth was platted on April 22, 1893, originally about 1 mile (1.6 km) southwest of the present location, on land then included in the Adams-Spruce Mine (Douglas Avenue between Jones and Monroe Streets). The community was named after Erwin Eveleth, a prominent employee of a timber company in the area. In 1895, iron ore was discovered beneath the village site and a post office was established. Eveleth first established its post office on February 9, 1895, with P. Ellard Dowling as commander-in-chief. Eveleth also had its first paper, The Eveleth Star, the same year. In 1900, the village moved to its present location. It was incorporated as a city in 1902. [4] When the city expanded, it annexed portions of Fayal Township, including the former unincorporated communities of Alice Mine Station (in the Alice Location south of downtown) and Fayal. With further expansion, Eveleth annexed the unincorporated community of Genoa to its east.[ citation needed ]

Throughout the 20th century, Eveleth's economy remained centered on iron ore mining, which shaped the city's development and population trends. During World War II, mining activity increased to meet wartime demand for iron ore, supporting employment and growth. In the postwar decades, the industry declined, causing economic challenges and population decreases. The city adapted by focusing on diversification efforts and community services. [5] [6]

In 1988, Eveleth gained national attention with the filing of Jenson v. Eveleth Taconite Co., the first sexual harassment class-action lawsuit in the United States, which highlighted workplace discrimination issues at the local mines. This case marked a significant event in the city's modern history. [7]

Toward the end of the 20th century and into the 21st, Eveleth became known for its strong hockey culture, hosting the United States Hockey Hall of Fame and notable high school teams. The Hockey Hall of Fame, established in Eveleth in 1973, honors a large number of U.S. hockey legends from the area, making Eveleth a birthplace of American hockey. In recent years, there have been discussions about moving the Hall of Fame to St. Paul as part of a hockey-themed redevelopment project near the Grand Casino Arena to attract more visitors. However, this proposal has generated opposition from local leaders and state lawmakers who want to preserve the museum's historic location on the Iron Range, highlighting its cultural and community significance. [8] [9]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 6.45 square miles (16.71 km2); 6.29 square miles (16.29 km2) is land and 0.16 square miles (0.41 km2) is water. [10]

Eveleth is in the Duluth MN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Climate

The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Dfb". (Warm Summer Continental Climate). Summers are warm and winters are long and cold. Most of the precipitation happens in the warmer months but winters still see snowfall. [11]

Climate data for Eveleth, Minnesota, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1986–present
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °F (°C)46
(8)		55
(13)		76
(24)		85
(29)		89
(32)		95
(35)		98
(37)		93
(34)		90
(32)		86
(30)		72
(22)		49
(9)		98
(37)
Mean maximum °F (°C)36.5
(2.5)		42.7
(5.9)		57.3
(14.1)		71.0
(21.7)		82.4
(28.0)		86.0
(30.0)		88.2
(31.2)		86.4
(30.2)		82.6
(28.1)		73.2
(22.9)		53.8
(12.1)		39.5
(4.2)		89.9
(32.2)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)16.5
(−8.6)		22.1
(−5.5)		35.3
(1.8)		49.0
(9.4)		63.1
(17.3)		72.3
(22.4)		77.2
(25.1)		75.5
(24.2)		66.0
(18.9)		50.9
(10.5)		34.5
(1.4)		21.8
(−5.7)		48.7
(9.3)
Daily mean °F (°C)7.5
(−13.6)		11.9
(−11.2)		24.8
(−4.0)		38.3
(3.5)		51.9
(11.1)		61.7
(16.5)		66.4
(19.1)		64.6
(18.1)		55.7
(13.2)		42.2
(5.7)		27.2
(−2.7)		14.1
(−9.9)		38.9
(3.8)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)−1.5
(−18.6)		1.7
(−16.8)		14.3
(−9.8)		27.6
(−2.4)		40.7
(4.8)		51.1
(10.6)		55.6
(13.1)		53.8
(12.1)		45.3
(7.4)		33.4
(0.8)		19.9
(−6.7)		6.4
(−14.2)		29.0
(−1.6)
Mean minimum °F (°C)−23.0
(−30.6)		−19.0
(−28.3)		−8.4
(−22.4)		13.6
(−10.2)		27.9
(−2.3)		39.0
(3.9)		45.5
(7.5)		44.0
(6.7)		31.9
(−0.1)		22.0
(−5.6)		1.9
(−16.7)		−16.1
(−26.7)		−25.6
(−32.0)
Record low °F (°C)−35
(−37)		−44
(−42)		−32
(−36)		−4
(−20)		17
(−8)		31
(−1)		36
(2)		36
(2)		27
(−3)		8
(−13)		−13
(−25)		−29
(−34)		−44
(−42)
Average precipitation inches (mm)0.77
(20)		0.70
(18)		1.16
(29)		1.95
(50)		3.00
(76)		4.25
(108)		3.92
(100)		3.49
(89)		3.44
(87)		2.55
(65)		1.35
(34)		1.00
(25)		27.58
(701)
Average snowfall inches (cm)11.8
(30)		9.7
(25)		5.6
(14)		5.7
(14)		0.1
(0.25)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		1.0
(2.5)		7.4
(19)		13.2
(34)		54.5
(138.75)
Average extreme snow depth inches (cm)15.5
(39)		18.2
(46)		12.8
(33)		5.1
(13)		0.1
(0.25)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.8
(2.0)		6.0
(15)		9.4
(24)		21.6
(55)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)9.87.56.77.811.913.511.410.211.911.210.211.5123.6
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)7.45.83.51.60.10.00.00.00.00.83.58.431.1
Source 1: NOAA [12]
Source 2: National Weather Service [13]

Demographics

Former Lincoln School, now the East Range Developmental Achievement Center Lincoln School, Eveleth, Minnesota-01.jpg
Former Lincoln School, now the East Range Developmental Achievement Center
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1900 2,752—
1910 7,036155.7%
1920 7,2052.4%
1930 7,4843.9%
1940 6,887−8.0%
1950 5,872−14.7%
1960 5,721−2.6%
1970 4,721−17.5%
1980 5,0426.8%
1990 4,064−19.4%
2000 3,865−4.9%
2010 3,718−3.8%
2020 3,493−6.1%
U.S. Decennial Census [14]

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, the population of Eveleth was 3,493. The racial makeup of the city was 3,149 (90.2%) White, 55 (1.6%) Native American, 53 (1.5%) Hispanic, and 45 (1.3%) African American.

2010 census

As of the census [15] of 2010, there were 3,718 people, 1,682 households, and 921 families living in the city. The population density was 591.1 inhabitants per square mile (228.2/km2). There were 1,942 housing units at an average density of 308.7 per square mile (119.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.0% White, 0.5% African American, 1.8% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 1,682 households, of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.0% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 45.2% were non-families. 38.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.83.

The median age in the city was 39.6 years. 22.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.5% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 3,865 people, 1,717 households, and 971 families living in the city. The population density was 611.0 inhabitants per square mile (235.9/km2). There were 1,965 housing units at an average density of 310.6 per square mile (119.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.48% White, 0.16% African American, 1.73% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.08% from other races, and 1.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.23% of the population. 16.6% were of Finnish, 14.1% German, 14.1% Norwegian, 8.6% Italian, 7.7% Slovene and 6.1% Swedish ancestry.

There were 1,717 households, out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.4% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.4% were non-families. 38.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.6% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 21.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,736, and the median income for a family was $37,069. Males had a median income of $32,723 versus $21,658 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,635. About 10.6% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.3% of those under age 18 and 14.2% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Mining
Miners National Bank building Miners National Bank building, Eveleth, Minnesota-01.jpg
Miners National Bank building

Eveleth is on the Mesabi Range, one of sub-regions of Minnesota's Iron Range. The town's economy has always been tied to the iron ore mining and processing. This activity peaked during World War II and declined through the second half of the 20th century. A demand for iron ore occurred between 2005 and 2007, and local economies experienced a mild improvement due to improved mining productivity, which allowed demand to be met with only a modest increase in staffing.

Within Eveleth's city limits is Thunderbird Mine, where crude iron ore is processed into 5.5 million tons of iron ore taconite pellets per year. The ore is magnetite-bearing iron formation of the Paleoproterozoic Biwabik Iron Formation, and is crushed at the mine site and shipped by railroad to the Fairlane Plant in Forbes, Minnesota, for concentrating and pelletizing. [16]

Tourism
Grant Avenue looking north Grant Avenue looking north from Monroe Street, Eveleth, Minnesota.jpg
Grant Avenue looking north

The tourism economy of Minnesota's Iron Range contributes to economic diversification beyond its mining roots. Outdoor recreation and heritage tourism form the core of this sector. Facilities such as Giants Ridge Golf and Ski Resort generate approximately $55 million annually and support over 300 tourism-related jobs. The region attracts visitors with historical sites, museums, and natural landscapes that offer hiking, skiing, fishing, and cultural experiences. State and regional initiatives promote tourism through marketing campaigns and visitor programs, including the “Wander the Range” map, which guides exploration of local attractions. Tourism supports local businesses and provides economic stability in the area. [17] [18]

Arts and culture

Feature films shot in Eveleth

Wildrose (1984) The independent drama follows June Lorich, a recently divorced woman who takes a job as a heavy machinery operator in an all-male iron mine on Minnesota's Mesabi Range. Wildrose was shot on location in Eveleth and surrounding Iron Range areas to capture the authentic mining environment and to tell the story rooted in the region's real social and industrial landscape. [19]

North Country (2005) A drama based on the landmark Jenson v. Eveleth Taconite Co. sexual harassment case. It tells the story of Josey Aimes, who returns to northern Minnesota to work in an iron mine where she and other women face constant harassment and discrimination. Filmed largely in the northern Minnesota towns of Eveleth, Virginia, Chisholm, and Hibbing; Minneapolis; [20] as well as Silver City and Santa Fe in New Mexico. [21]

Hockey

World's largest authentic hockey stick in Eveleth World's Largest Hockey Stick, Eveleth, Minnesota (35191422793).jpg
World's largest authentic hockey stick in Eveleth

The United States Hockey Hall of Fame (not to be confused with the Hockey Hall of Fame, in Toronto) is in Eveleth. The city has long been noted as a powerhouse of hockey talent. It has won several state championships, most recently in 1998. During the 1950s the Eveleth Golden Bears dominated high school hockey in Minnesota, garnering a number of state records, including most consecutive state championships (4: 1948–51), most consecutive championship games (5: 1948–52) and most consecutive tournament appearances (12: 1945–56), despite the district's tiny population.

Eveleth has the "world's largest authentic hockey stick", standing at 107 feet and weighing 3 tons. A few blocks away from the stick is the Eveleth Hippodrome, Minnesota's oldest hockey arena still in use. The Rock Ridge Wolverines Boys & Girls hockey teams play there as one out of two of their home rinks, the other being the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia.


Notable people


References

  1. ↑ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  2. 1 2 U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Eveleth, Minnesota
  3. ↑ "Eveleth, Minnesota". Census. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  4. ↑ Van Brunt, Walter (1922). Duluth and St. Louis County. Chicago: American Historical Society.
  5. ↑ Tieberg, Alex. "Mesabi Iron Range | MNopedia". www3.mnhs.org. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  6. ↑ Baldwin, Paul. "Mesabi Range Mines, Minnesota 1939-1945 – Military History of the Upper Great Lakes" . Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  7. ↑ Jenson v. Eveleth Taconite Co. , 130F.3d1287 ( 8th Cir. 1997).
  8. ↑ Kraker, Dan (March 20, 2025). "Should U.S. Hockey Hall's home be on the Iron Range, or in St. Paul?". MPR News. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  9. ↑ Raatsi, Hayley (April 25, 2025). "Minnesota Senate denies amendment aimed at keeping U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth". www.northernnewsnow.com. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  10. ↑ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  11. ↑ Climate Summary for Eveleth, Minnesota
  12. ↑ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Eveleth WWTP, MN". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  13. ↑ "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Duluth". National Weather Service. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  14. ↑ United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing" . Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  15. ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  16. ↑ United Taconite Llc - Fairlane Plant - Forbes, MN - EPA Regulated Facility
  17. ↑ Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. 2024-25 Governor’s Biennial Budget Recommendations (2023). Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Agency profile. In Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. https://www.lrl.mn.gov/docs/2023/mandated/230132/iron-range-resources-and-rehabilitation.pdf
  18. ↑ Rash, John (February 21, 2025). "Rash: State tourism builds the economy — and communities". www.startribune.com. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  19. ↑ "Movie review : 'Wildrose': Love in mining country". Los Angeles Times. November 7, 1985. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  20. ↑ "10 Famous Movies That Were Filmed in Minnesota". ExporeMinnesota.com. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  21. ↑ Russell, Matt (October 20, 2005). "Half of 'North Country' filmed in New Mexico". Post Bulletin. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  22. ↑ "George Abramson". Sports Reference. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  23. ↑ "Fred J. Agnich Papers". lib.utexas.edu. Retrieved September 20, 2013.
  24. ↑ "Rudy Rudolph Ahlin". Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  25. ↑ "BEGICH, Nicholas Joseph, (1932 - 1972)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  26. ↑ "1995 Senate Joint Resolution 46". Wisconsin Legislature. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  27. ↑ "Andre Gambucci". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2013.
  28. ↑ Gustaf "Gus" Dale Hendrickson
  29. ↑ "Willard Ikola". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2013.
  30. ↑ "John Mariucci". Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  31. ↑ "Johnny Matchefts". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved January 1, 2013.
  32. ↑ "Ojala, William R." Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  33. ↑ "Doug John Palazzari". Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  34. ↑ "Joe Papike". Sports Reference. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  35. ↑ "Matt Perushek". United States Olympic Committee. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  36. ↑ "Paul "Butch" Schaefer". HockeyDB.com. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  37. ↑ "Kay Nolte Smith". New York Times. October 1, 1993.
  38. ↑ "Al Suomi". NHL.com. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  39. ↑ "The Verner E. Suomi Award". American Meteorological Society. Retrieved January 1, 2013.
  40. ↑ "James B. Tapp (obituary)". Legacy. The Washington Post. May 11, 2014. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  41. ↑ "Tom Yurkovich". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
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