Marble, MN

About Marble

Marble was incorporated on April 20, 1909 and was named after R.N. Marble, a U.S. Steel official from Duluth. U.S. Census estimates the 2023 population as 583.

Top Attractions

The Hill Annex Mine State Park is in neighboring Calumet. The mine’s pit lake spans the north edge of both communities. Nearby Twin Lakes has a public beach and boat launch. A veteran’s war memorial is located on the main street.

History

Following the final retreat of glaciers from northeastern Minnesota approximately 10,000 years ago, native peoples migrated north and west. The Dakota people historically occupied the area. Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe/Anishinaabe), the most populous tribe in North America, migrated westward and the Dakota moved west of the Mississippi in the seventeenth century. There were periods of peace and conflict between the two tribes, but the stream of European American settlers into their territories resulted in conflict. The U.S. Government ultimately removed both tribes from their native territories and put them on reservations.

Fur trading between native peoples and French explorers flourished from the 1660’s onward. The first major industry was the wholesale logging of the entire northeastern (‘arrowhead’) portion of the state. Mining followed logging.

The first homestead claim was in 1888 by Albert F. Gross of Duluth, which became the Gross-Marble Mining Company property. In the early 1900s, the railroad and mining industry drove the growth of the City of Marble and surrounding areas. John C. Greenway of the Oliver Mining Company and superintendent of the Canisteo District, opened the Hill (on the north edge of town), Canisteo, Walker, and Holman mines. Under Greenway’s supervision, the Village of Marble was surveyed into streets and lots. Construction of homes began in 1908. Twenty of its eighty were reserved for a public park. That year the post office opened. The village was built to accommodate miners and their families; some of whom were still living in tents.

Some families settled about a half mile north and slightly east of Marble in what was known as White City. Most of these people moved into Marble when home construction was complete. Some continued to live there until the Gross Marble Mine severed access to the road leading to White City.

Fairyland Park was a popular roadside attraction in Marble from 1948 to 1972. It was located on the J.G. and Myrtle M. Gustafson property. Myrtle was the original creator. Her husband is not believed to have been involved. The park featured 38 life-size scenes from fairytales and Americana. The scenes were built by Myrtle, an accomplished painter, sculptor, builder, and with the assistance of her friends. A trail in the woods allowed visitors to wander and see a different scene at every turn. The photo depicts Alice in Wonderland. Melvin and Faith Wick bought the park in 1960 and operated it until it closed. Tim Wick, son of Melvin and Faith, compiled a remarkable pdf about Fairyland Park.

Services & Amenities

There is a convenience store/gas station on the south side of Hwy 169 and a bar & grill in town. Marble Public Library is attached to the Marble City Hall