Geography of Chequamegon Bay-:1

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Geography of Chequamegon Bay-:1 Geography of Chequamegon Bay-:1-: The geographic· focus the meltwater formed The Ashland plain . and the center of settle­ a lake (Lake Duluth) rises gradually from the ment and economic activ­ between the face of the wetlands and bluffs at its ity in the Chequamegon glacier and highlands to coastal margin until it Bay region is the bay . the south. abuts the highland that itself. Oriented along a The retreating glacier surrounds it from the northeast-southwest axis, also deposited on top of northeast to the south­ it is about 12 miles long the ancient sandstone west. to the sand spit that lies huge quantities of mixed This highland area across its mouth and is sand, clay, and rocks consists of two ranges, about 10 mileS wide at of all sizes that it had the copper range and far­ that point. scooped up as it ad­ ther south, the Penokee This spit extends vanced. The highland of range. The copper range, northwestward from the Bayfield Peninsula a continuation of the cop­ the southern lowland to is a ridge of such gla­ per bearing formations of within about four miles cially deposited materials the Keweenaw peninsula, of the Bayfield Peninsula Lars L) heaped up on the under­ forms the frontal escarp­ and consists of Chequa­ 2- lying sandstone between ment of the highland. megon Point and Long Larson b) t/ 1-z-- the two glacial lobes to Near the mouth of the Island, the two separated • has been a guest colum­ 600 or more feet above Montreal River the cop­ by a narrow water gap. nist for The County Journal lake level. per range rises rapidly The spit and island for many years. The terrain at the to an altitude of 500 feet serve as a natural break­ summit (the ''barrens") is above the lake, trends water, protecting the remnants of the great hummocky with numer­ southwest to the vicin­ bay against the fury of faults thus created. ous circular depressions ity of the Brunsweiler storms on the main lake. This rift valley was or "potholes" characteris­ River, and then continues The water is shallower in subsequently filled with tic of kettle moraine. The just southwest toward that part of the bay that sedimentary rocks that' predominant type of soil Lake Namakagon. While lies to the southeast of · were then removed by here is sand of various eastern portions may a line from the outer tip glacial erosion during the grades of coarseness, ex­ attain altitudes of 700 to of Chequamegon Point Pleistocene period, giving cept for patches of loamy 800 feet above lake level, southwest to the head of the basin essentially its sand or where organic for most of its length it the bay, and at the head present configuration. materials have been laid ranges from 550 to 650 of the bay itself, than on The major features of over or mixed in with the feet above the lake. the northwest side, where the Chequamegon Bay sand. Farther south the it ranges in depth up to region- the bay itself, Lake Duluth laid down Penokee range, a topo­ 70 feet. the Bayfield Peninsula, a terrace of clay around graphical continuation The Chequamegon Bay ·Apostle Islands, and the the drift material of the of the Gogebic Range to region lies in the Lake Ashland plain- were highland and a thick the east in Michigan, Superior lowland, one of probably formed by layer on the Ashland trends generally north­ five geographic regions glacial modification of plain and the Apostle east-southwest, rising into which Wisconsin is pre-existing drainage Islands. The numerous to heights of from 900 to divided. Although the bay patterns in the ancient rivers and creeks that 1,200 feet above lake lev­ region is part of the basin sandstone during the flow into the lake down el. It is broadest near the of western Lake Superior, last glacial age, 10 to 50 the flanks of the highland Montreal River, becoming its geologic history is dif­ thousand years ago. have swept out broad val­ narrower to the west and ferent. This glacier, the leys in the soft clay and declining rapidly to the The western end of the Wisconsin, advanced cut narrow gorges into local terrain elevation lake basin (not includ­ into Wisconsin from the sandstone. near Mineral Lake. ing the bay area) was the northeast in great The Apostle Islands The copper and Peno­ formed when a block of tongues or lobes- the are an extension of the kee ranges are geological­ crust dropped down to Superior lobe to the north Bayfield Peninsula, the ly distinct, but topograph­ form a rift valley called and the Chippewa lobe to channels separating them ically they merge into a a graben. The Duluth the south. from each ofhet and from broad band of highland of escarpment to the north As the glacier retreat­ the peninsula having which the latter range is and the highland south of ed, that is as its front been created by water the most prominent. Superior are the eroded gradually melted away, and glacial erosion. .
Recommended publications
  • Catching It All Chequamegon Bay, Apostle Islands by Dick Ellis
    www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com June 22, 2009 Catching It All Chequamegon Bay, Apostle Islands By Dick Ellis Still a bit early to pursue a I pondered Kastern’s offer. deep water search for lake trout Superior was quiet and the fore- near the Apostle Islands, Guide cast called for the big lake to stay Aron Kastern had left the target of flat with gentle winds. Although choice to me; take the sure bet- Kastern knows better lake trout bite and chase Chequamegon fishing is on the horizon as the Bay’s trophy-class smallmouth calendar pages burn away into bass, or vertical jig for lakers in July and August, if we did find water that can reach depths of fish we might tangle with a fero- hundreds of feet with no guarantee cious fighter weighing in at 10 that we would find fish. pounds, 20…or who knows how “I also have a great bite on big. Most appealing to a writer right now casting for walleyes,” who had only fished for lakers on the multi-species guide said on a the Superior hardwater, Kastern bluebird, mid-June morning. “We loves to vertical jig the deep. Most caught lots of nice fish the last other anglers prefer to motor troll. several days on crankbaits in shal- Even a bad day of fishing is low water. We will catch walleyes still fishing, I thought, considering if we go for it. But that can wait the possibility of photographing until late afternoon. Or we can do the dreaded skunk for this column. it all.” We would still be on big, beautiful Kastern does it all.
    [Show full text]
  • Great Lakes/Big Rivers Fisheries Operational Plan Accomplishment
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fisheries Operational Plan Accomplishment Report for Fiscal Year 2004 March 2003 Region 3 - Great Lakes/Big Rivers Partnerships and Accountability Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management Workforce Management Aquatic Species Conservation and Aquatic Invasive Species Management Cooperation with Native Public Use Leadership in Science Americans and Technology To view monthly issues of “Fish Lines”, see our Regional website at: (http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/) 2 Fisheries Accomplishment Report - FY2004 Great Lakes - Big Rivers Region Message from the Assistant Regional Director for Fisheries The Fisheries Program in Region 3 (Great Lakes – Big Rivers) is committed to the conservation of our diverse aquatic resources and the maintenance of healthy, sustainable populations of fish that can be enjoyed by millions of recreational anglers. To that end, we are working with the States, Tribes, other Federal agencies and our many partners in the private sector to identify, prioritize and focus our efforts in a manner that is most complementary to their efforts, consistent with the mission of our agency, and within the funding resources available. At the very heart of our efforts is the desire to be transparent and accountable and, to that end, we present this Region 3 Annual Fisheries Accomplishment Report for Fiscal Year 2004. This report captures our commitments from the Region 3 Fisheries Program Operational Plan, Fiscal Years 2004 & 2005. This document cannot possibly capture the myriad of activities that are carried out by any one station in any one year, by all of the dedicated employees in the Fisheries Program, but, hopefully, it provides a clear indication of where our energy is focused.
    [Show full text]
  • Chequamegon Bay and Its Communities I Ashland Bayfield La Pointe a Brief History 1659-1883
    Chequamegon Bay And Its Communities I Ashland Bayfield LaPointe A Brief Hi story 1659-1883 Chequamegon Bay And Its Communities I Ashland Bayfield La Pointe A Brief History 1659-1883 Lars Larson PhD Emeriti Faculty University of Wisconsin-Whitewater CHEQUAMEGON BAY Chequamegon, sweet lovely bay, Upon thy bosom softly sway. In gentle swells and azure bright. Reflections of the coming night; Thy wooded shores of spruce and pine. Forever hold thee close entwine. Thy lovely isles and babbling rills. Whose music soft my soul enthrills; What wondrous power and mystic hands. Hath wrought thy beach of golden sands. What artist's eye mid painter's brush. Hath caught thy waters as they rush. And stilled them all and then unfurled. The grandest picture of the world— So fair, so sweet to look upon. Thy beauteous bay, Chequamegon. Whitewater Wisconsin 2005 Table of Contents Acknowledgements 3 The Chequamegon Bay Historians 4 Odes to Chequamegon Bay 7 Introduction 13 Chapter 1—An Overview of Wisconsin History to 1850 26 Chapter 2—Chequamegon Bay and La Pointe 1659-1855 44 Chapter 3—The Second Era of Resource Exploitation 82 Chapter 4—Superior 1853-1860 92 Chapter 5—Ashland 1854-1860 112 Chapter 6—Bayfield 1856-1860 133 Chapter 7—Bayfield 1870-1883 151 Chapter 8—Ashland 1870-1883 186 Chapter 9—The Raikoad Land Grants: Were The Benefits Worth The Cost? 218 Bibliographies 229 Introduction 230 Wisconsin History 23 4 Chequamegon Bay and La Pointe 241 Second Era of Resource Exploitation 257 Superior 264 Ashland 272 Bayfield 293 Introduction 1860-1870 301 Railroad Land Grants 304 Acknowledgements I am deeply indebted to the staffs of the Andersen Library of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and the Library of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, mid to the Register of Deeds of Bayfield County, for their indispensable assistance mid support in the preparation of this study.
    [Show full text]
  • Breeding and Feeding Ecology of Bald Eagl~S in the Apostle Island National Lakeshore
    BREEDING AND FEEDING ECOLOGY OF BALD EAGL~S IN THE APOSTLE ISLAND NATIONAL LAKESHORE by Karin Dana Kozie A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MASTER OF SCIENCE College of Natural Resources UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN Stevens Point, Wisconsin December 1986 APPROVED BY THE GRADUATE COMMITTEE OF; Dr. Raymond K. Anderson, Major Advisor Professor of Wildlife Dr. Neil F Professor of Dr. Byron Shaw Professor of Water Resorces ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many people donated considerable time and effort to this project. I wish to thank Drs. Neil Payne and Byron Shaw -of-n my graduate ncommittee, for---providing Use fliT comments on this manuscript; my committee chairman, Dr. Ray Anderson, whose support, patience and knowledge will long be appreciated. Special thanks to Chuck Sindelar, eagle biologist for the state of Wisconsin, for conducting aerial surveys, organizing banding crews and providing a vast supply of knowledge and time, and to Ron Eckstein and Dave Evans of the banding crew, for their climbing expertise. I greatly appreciate the help of the following National Park Service personnel: Merryll Bailey, ecologist,.provided equipment, logistical arrangements and fisheries expertise; Maggie Ludwig graciously provided her home, assisted with fieldwork and helped coordinate project activities on the mainland while researchers were on the islands; park ranger/naturalists Brent McGinn, Erica Peterson, Neil Howk, Ellen Maurer and Carl and Nancy Loewecke donated their time and knowledge of the islands. Many people volunteered the~r time in fieldwork; including Jeff Rautio, Al Bath, Laura Stanley, John Foote, Sandy Okey, Linda Laack, Jack Massopust, Dave Ross, Joe Papp, Lori Mier, Kim Pemble and June Rado.
    [Show full text]
  • Ashland, Wisconsin a Coastal Community Smart Growth Case Study Author: Rebecca Pearson Editor: Victoria Pebbles, Great Lakes Commission
    Ashland, Wisconsin A Coastal Community Smart Growth Case Study Author: Rebecca Pearson Editor: Victoria Pebbles, Great Lakes Commission Ashland is a close. The busy small port and the community in shipping industry northeastern that served it went Wisconsin, from moving located on millions of tons of Chequamegon iron ore, Bay on the brownstone and southwest shore lumber to an of Lake occasional Superior. shipment of coal. Endowed with By 2009, the an abundance of Canadian National natural Railway which resources (timber, water, iron ore and acquired Wisconsin Central was the only railroad brownstone) and access to the Great Lakes, the service in Ashland. city of Ashland flourished as a port in the 1800s where raw and processed natural materials where As industries declined, so did the population. shipped to urban areas elsewhere in the Great Ashland lost population at a rate of about 5 Lakes region. At that time, Ashland’s waterfront percent every decade from the early 1900s until was developed to serve the industries that the 1990s. From 1990 to 2000, Ashland’s supported the processing and transport of natural population began to stabilize with only a 0.8 resources, such as sawmills, lumberyards and iron percent decline. According to the 2000 U.S. docks. Supporting commercial development grew Census, Ashland’s population is just over 8,600. up south of the waterfront, while residential development occurred still south of the Like many post-war cities and towns across the commercial area. Great Lakes region and elsewhere in the U.S, while the city itself contracted, the surrounding Railroads also played an important role in towns and rural areas of Ashland County, Ashland’s growth from the late 1800s into the experienced a 3.4 percent population increase early 1900s.
    [Show full text]
  • Wisconsin's John Muir
    Wisconsin’s John Muir An Exhibit Celebrating the Centennial of the National Park Service “Oh, that glorious Wisconsin wilderness! “Everything new and pure in the very prime of the spring when Nature’s pulses were beating highest and mysteriously keeping time with our own!” “Wilderness is a necessity... Mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.” This exhibit was made possible through generous support from the estate of John Peters and the Follett Charitable Trust Muir in Wisconsin “When we first saw Fountain Lake Meadow, on a sultry evening, sprinkled with millions of lightning- bugs throbbing with light, the effect was so strange and beautiful that it seemed far too marvelous to be real.” John Muir (1838–1914) was one of America’s most important environmental thinkers and activists. He came to Wisconsin as a boy, grew up near Portage, and attended the University of Wisconsin. After decades of wandering in the mountains of California, he led the movement for national parks and helped create the Sierra Club. But for much of his life, Muir’s call to protect wild places fell on deaf ears. Muir studied science in Madison but quit in 1863 without a degree, “...leaving one University for another, the Wisconsin University for the University of the Wilderness.” Muir’s letter to the classmate who taught him botany at UW The Movement for National Parks Yosemite Valley “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.” In 1872, Congress named Yellowstone the first national park.
    [Show full text]
  • The Story of Mackinac
    Library of Congress The story of Mackinac / THE STORY OF MACKINAC.1 BY THE EDITOR. 1 Originally prepared as an address before the American Library Association, at its meeting on Mackinac Island, September 8, 1896, and in that form published in The Library Journal, Dec., 1896. As given in the present volume, it has been somewhat modified, to suit the different conditions of publication. In the preparation of the paper, I have consulted, among others, the following authorities: The Jesuit Relations. Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections. Irving's Astoria. Parkman's Works. Winsor's Narrative and Critical History of America (Boston, 1889). Shea's History of the Catholic Missions among the Indian Tribes of the U. S. (N. Y.,1855). Bailey's Mackinac, formerly Michilimackinac (Lansing, Mich., 1896). Cook's Mackinaw in History (Lansing, 1895). Cook's Drummond Island (Lansing, 1896). Hubbard's Memorials of a Half Century (N. Y., 1887). Kelton's Annals of Fort Mackinac (issued annually). Littlejohn's Legends of Michigan and the Old North West(Allegan, Mich., 1875). Roberts's City of the Straits (Detroit, 1884). The story of Mackinac / http://www.loc.gov/resource/lhbum.7689c_0013_0029 Library of Congress Strickland's Old Mackinaw (Phila., 1860). Van Fleet's Old and New Mackinac (Phila., and Ann Arbor, Mich., 1869–70). Whitcomb's Lake Tour to Picturesque Mackinac (Detroit, 1884). Williams's Early Mackinac (St. Louis, 1897). For two and a quarter centuries Mackinac has played no inconsiderable part on the stage of American history. Early recognized as a vantage-point, commanding the commerce of the two uppermost lakes of the great chain,—Michigan and Superior,—red men and white men have struggled for its mastery, tribe against tribe, nation I 2 against nation.
    [Show full text]
  • Forest Bird Communities in the Apostle Islands of Wisconsin
    FOREST BIRD COMMUNITIES IN THE APOSTLE ISLANDS OF WISCONSIN BY EDWARDBEALS N the past few years more ecologists have become aware that the description I of plant and animal communities as discrete ecological units is an over- simplification of community relationships. Among botanists, Gleason (1926) has proposed that, inasmuch as each plant species has environmental require- ments different from those of every other species, the classification of plant communities into separate and distinct associations is inadequate. Following this individualistic concept, many phytosociologists have developed vegeta- tional gradients based either on measurement of environmental factors (e.g., Ramensky, 1930; Whittaker, 1956) or on a direct analysis of the vegetation itself (e.g., Curtis and McIntosh, 1951; Brown and Curtis, 1952; Goodall, 1954; Horikawa and Okutomi, 1955; Bray and Curtis, 1957). Animal ecolo- gists have also used community gradients in studies of insects (Whittaker, 1952; Kato et al., 1955), copepods (Whittaker and Fairbanks, 1958), and birds (Bond, 1957). Because different bird species seldom if ever coincide in their ecological distributions, no discrete communities can be clearly defined except where there are sharp changes of environment. Therefore the present paper describes the bird populations within the forests of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior in terms of a community gradient, relating these bird communities to their environmental framework. Scientific names of plants follow Gleason (1952). ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I wish to acknowledgewith gratitude the financial aid received from the Frank M. Chapman Memorial Fund, with which the project was completed. Part of the field work was accomplished while I was working on a vegetational survey of the islands for the Wis- consin Conservation Department, and the cooperation from the Department at the Bay field station is appreciated.
    [Show full text]
  • Ashland County
    APOSTLE ISLANDS AREA “Out & Back” & “Loop” Ashland County Bicycling Road Routes Ashland County Tourism Ashland Chamber of Commerce This bicycle map is designed to assist bicyclists in Bayfield & Ashland Counties & Visitor Bureau identifying enjoyable bicycling routes in Ashland & Bayfield Counties. 1716 Lake Shore Dr W • Ashland, WI 54806 715-682-2500 • 800-284-9484 These bicycle routes are intended for use by adult bicyclists who have WISCONSIN www.travelashlandcounty.com had driver’s training, and possess the skills and knowledge to handle www.visitashland.com shared bicycle/motor vehicle situations. Keep in mind that roadway Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce conditions may vary considerably by the day of the week, time of 715-747-2801 • 888-475-3386 day, weather conditions and construction. All bicyclists are encouraged www.madelineisland.com Sand Little Sand Bay Raspberry to select routes with riding conditions that match their own skill level Bay Mellen Area Chamber of Commerce Bay Rd. Bay and preparation. Apostle Islands 715-274-2330 • www.mellenwi.com National Lakeshore bears full responsibility for his or County Hwy K Old County Hwy K Peterson Hill The user of this map 13 Old Bayfield County her safety. Bicyclists should exercise good judgement and obey traffic Bark Pt. Siskiwit 10 Bay Bay Bayfield County Tourism laws on all roadways, regardless of the bicycle routes on this map. Rd. Red Cliff 117 E 5th St/PO Box 832 Happy Washburn, WI 54891 The state, Ashland and Bayfield Counties, cities, villages and towns, Compton and the agencies who have contributed to the development of this Cornucopia Robbs Rd.
    [Show full text]
  • Amazing Apostle Islands Happy Times Tours & Experiences
    Amazing Apostle Islands (Bayfield, WI) Trip Includes: - 3 Nights at the Legendary Waters Resort & Casino with a total of $75 in Legendary Loot (Promotional Play) - Drive through Scenic Northern Wisconsin and enjoy a shopping stop in Minocqua - Visit the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Apostle Islands – Sea Cave Raspberry Island Lighthouse Center - Ferry to Madeline Island Escape from the world for a while. Reconect with - Locally Guided Madeline Island Tour nature and enjoy a vacation you will never forget! - Lunch at the Pub on Madeline Island - Lighthouse & Sea Caves Cruise 4 Days: September 7 – 10, 2021 - Old Rittenhouse Inn Victorian Luncheon Day 1 B, D - Bayfield Guided Tour with a stop at a Enjoy a boxed breakfast as we head North. We will make a shopping stop in scenic Local Farm Minocqua, Wisconsin before continuing our journey through beautiful Northern - Visit Bonnie & Clyde’s Gangster Park Wisconsin. We will make a stop at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center to learn - Motorcoach Transportation and the a little more about this area before an included dinner is included at a local place known for their Prime Rib and Whitefish. We will arrive at the Legendary Waters Services of a Happy Times Tour Director Resort & Casino for a 3 night stay and all rooms have a beautiful view. Everyone - 7 Meals will receive a total of $75 in Legendary Loot (promotional play) during your stay at Departure Times & Locations: the Legendary Waters Resort & Casino. 6:30am Depart College Ave NE P&R (estimated return at 7:30pm) Day 2 B, L 7:00am Depart Watertown Plank P&R Today, we will board the Madeline Island Ferry to Madeline Island, where the (estimated return at 7:00pm) sandy shores and magnificent lake air beckons.
    [Show full text]
  • Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Geologic Resources Inventory Report
    National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Geologic Resources Inventory Report Natural Resource Report NPS/NRSS/GRD/NRR—2015/972 ON THIS PAGE An opening in an ice-fringed sea cave reveals ice flows on Lake Superior. Photograph by Neil Howk (National Park Service) taken in winter 2008. ON THE COVER Wind and associated wave activity created a window in Devils Island Sandstone at Devils Island. Photograph by Trista L. Thornberry-Ehrlich (Colorado State University) taken in summer 2010. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Geologic Resources Inventory Report Natural Resource Report NPS/NRSS/GRD/NRR—2015/972 Trista L. Thornberry-Ehrlich Colorado State University Research Associate National Park Service Geologic Resources Division Geologic Resources Inventory PO Box 25287 Denver, CO 80225 May 2015 U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Fort Collins, Colorado The National Park Service, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science office in Fort Collins, Colorado, publishes a range of reports that address natural resource topics. These reports are of interest and applicability to a broad audience in the National Park Service and others in natural resource management, including scientists, conservation and environmental constituencies, and the public. The Natural Resource Report Series is used to disseminate comprehensive information and analysis about natural resources and related topics concerning lands managed by the National Park Service. The series supports the advancement of science, informed decision-making, and the achievement of the National Park Service mission. The series also provides a forum for presenting more lengthy results that may not be accepted by publications with page limitations.
    [Show full text]
  • Bayfield County Aquatic Invasive Species Strategic Plan
    Bayfield County Aquatic Invasive Species Strategic Plan “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead Acknowledgements Current Bayfield County Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Committee County Supervisors: Jeremy Oswald, Washburn William Bussey, Bayfield Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa: Mike Defoe, Assistant Fisheries Biologist, Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources Division Town Board: Jim Krueger, Supervisor, Town of Namakagon Lake Organizations: Sally Pease, Friends of the Eau Claire Lakes Area, Barnes Nan Olson, Long Lake Property Owners Association and former Board Director of Bayfield County Lakes Forum (BCLF), Iron River Lake-Related Business Representative: Sarah Boles, Northern Native Plantscapes, Cable Past Bayfield County Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Committee County Supervisors: Kenneth “Bucky” Jardine, Port Wing Dennis Pocernich, Barksdale Jim Crandall, Drummond Dee Kittleson, Washburn Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa: Matthew J. Symbal, Fish & Wildlife Biologist, Red Cliff Natural Resources Dept. Town Board: Tom Thornton, Supervisor, Town of Grand View Lake Organizations: John Kudlas, Eau Claire Lakes Property Owners Association, Inc./Friends of the Eau Claire Lakes Area, Barnes Lake-Related Business: Cy Zaeske, King Realty, Cable Advisors to Committee Andrew Teal, Bayfield County AIS Project Coordinator Tim Kane, Bayfield County UWEX Community Resource Development Agent Mary Motiff, Bayfield County Tourism
    [Show full text]