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Julien Dubuque's Mines

Dubuque, Iowa
County of Dubuque.
8999 Bellevue Heights
National Register Number: 88002662
 Resource type: District.
Property type: Industry/Processing/Extract. - extractive facil.. The threat level was Watch in
2006.
Congressional District: IA-2 Certified Local Government: YES
This NHL offers public access.
Please contact the NHL directly for visitor information.
Current use/information: Mines of Spain State Recreation Area: www.minesofspain.org.

Statement of Significance (as of designation - November 4, 1993):
This is a major concentration of historic archeological sites related to the mining of lead from 1788 to 1855. About 1690, Native Americans brought the lead deposits here to the attention of French explorer Nicholas Perrot, who established a trading post at the site. The site was abandoned, however, by 1710, until about 1788, when French trader Julien Dubuque (1762-1810) negotiated an agreement with the Mesquakie Indians for the sole permission to work the mines. Dubuque reestablished a trading post at the site, and engaged Indians and French engagees (laborers) to extract the lead, which he annually transported to St. Louis and exchanged for trade goods.

Condition:
Urban sprawl is encroaching on the NHL, and adjacent 350 acres has been offered for sale. Approximately 15 acres of forested land within the park has been converted to savanna habitat.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
Adjacent land needs to be purchased or zoning laws developed to prohibit further development.


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