In 1851 when Harvey Mellen came here, the area was populated by a small number of Indians, principally of the Menominee and Chippewa (Ojibway) tribes. Iron ore prospectors began to venture into the wilderness of the Iron County in 1875 and by 1882 mining was established and ore was exported. Also historically importance and a major contributor to the development of Iron County, was the lumbering industry. Mines were dependent on the newly operated railroads for transporting ore smelters located in other states.

Township governments for Iron River and Crystal Falls were established under Marquette County. Early communities also set up their governing bodies.

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