Taconite Harbor: A Forgotten Community Remembered

Taconite Harbor, once a thriving community in Minnesota from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s, has largely faded from memory. Established to support the local taconite mining industry, the town was built to accommodate workers and their families. However, as the mining operations dwindled, residents began to leave, leading to the town's decline. By the early 1990s, a real estate developer had purchased the homes, relocating and selling them off, effectively erasing the town from the map. Despite its disappearance, Taconite Harbor's legacy endures in the nearby town of Schroeder, where an exhibit celebrating the abandoned community has been established. This summer, the Heritage Center in Schroeder is hosting events that honor the history of Taconite Harbor, including reunions for former residents. Local historian Schug emphasizes the importance of remembering the town's vibrant past, noting that it was once a bustling hub with essential services like a laundromat. The community's history is marked by significant events, including a train derailment involving over 90 cars loaded with taconite, which further highlights the town's connection to the mining industry. Lamb, another local historian, stresses the need for people to recognize Taconite Harbor as a viable community that once thrived. Visitors can still explore remnants of the abandoned harbor along the scenic North Shore, serving as a poignant reminder of the town's former existence.