While excavating the basement for the new armory in Thief River Falls, the workmen discovered a quantity of rock and other material giving every indication of being iron ore. On closer inspection by those familiar with the iron range ores and by comparison with ores from that section, the opinion that actual ore has been found here is confirmed.

How extensive is the body and of what commercial value it may prove to be are matters of mere conjecture. But the fact remains that for years at frequent intervals well diggers and explorers have been surprised to find iron ore indications in this section west and southwest of the Red Lakes. The samples found in the basement are on view in the office of Daniel Shaw in Thief River, and will be forwarded to the cities for expert examination.

Source: Crookston Times, August 28, 1909

Submitter: Brenda Gaetz - Submitted Sept 15, 2002
Updated May 1, 2007, S. Dorgan
Updated April 2015, K. Kittleson