Breitung Township is named for Edward Breitung, a former Michigan miner and member of Congress who developed the Soudan Mine in the early 1880's. Historians of northern Minnesota give George R. Stuntz much credit for making the Vermilion Range ore deposits prominent. He impressed George Stone with the importance of iron ore deposits in the region. The Minnesota Iron Company was organized largely as a result of the efforts of George Stone, and it ws mainly to his persistence that the hard ore deposits at the Soudan Mine were brought to light. He interested Edward Breitung and Charlemagne Tower of Philadelphia in the mine site thus making Soudan the birthplace of the Minnesota mining industry.

The news of the iron deposits spread and in a short time many people were coming to see the new country. Capital for development was secured and later the railroad was built. It was a magnificent place with Nature having done the mining and it was only necessary to break up these huge blocks of rock in order to have many tons of the finest ore ready for shipment. As the ore body reached greater depths, mining changed to an underground operation.

An agreement was made between the business men and the mining men that no stores or business houses would be built at the mining location. The name "Soudan" was given to the mining location and on July 31, 1884 the first shipment of iron ore was accomplished. "Uncle Oliver", as the mine was known, ceased operations in December, 1962 and is now a State Park.

Visit Breitung Township and take a trip down into the Soudan Underground Mine. Like an iceberg, less than 10 percent of the mine shows on the surface. The 1 1/2 hour mine tour will take you down 1/2 mile into the earth. Once underground, you will be treated to a 3/4 mile train ride to the last and deepest area of the mine. 218-753-2245

For further information on Breitung Township contact:

Township of Breitung
P.O. Box 56
Soudan, Minnesota 55782

Phone: 218-753-6020
Fax: 218-753-3134