Ishpeming, Michigan

Summary

Ishpeming (/ˈɪʃpəmɪŋ/ ISH-pə-ming) is a city in Marquette County, Michigan, United States. Located in the Upper Peninsula, the population was 6,140 at the 2020 census,[2] less than it was in the 1950s and 1960s when the iron ore mines employed more workers. A statue of a Native American figure, erected in 1884 in the small town square, is referred to as "Old Ish".

Ishpeming, Michigan
Ishpeming Municipal Building
Etymology: from Ojibwa ishpiming 'above, in the air, on high'
Location within Marquette County
Location within Marquette County
Ishpeming is located in Michigan
Ishpeming
Ishpeming
Ishpeming is located in the United States
Ishpeming
Ishpeming
Coordinates: 46°29′33″N 87°40′03″W / 46.49250°N 87.66750°W / 46.49250; -87.66750
CountryUnited States
StateMichigan
CountyMarquette
Founded1873
Government
 • TypeMayor–council
 • MayorLindsay Bean
 • ClerkCathy Smith
 • ManagerCraig Cugini
Area
 • Total9.36 sq mi (24.23 km2)
 • Land8.75 sq mi (22.66 km2)
 • Water0.61 sq mi (1.58 km2)
Elevation
1,407 ft (429 m)
Population
 • Total6,140
 • Density701.87/sq mi (270.99/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes
49849
49865 (National Mine)
Area code906
FIPS code26-41220[3]
GNIS feature ID0629103[4]
Websiteishpemingcity.org
Statue of "Old Ish" in downtown Ishpeming

Ishpeming Township is located to the northwest of the city but is administratively autonomous. Ishpeming is considered the birthplace of organized skiing in the United States and is the home to the National Ski Hall of Fame. The city was also prominently featured in the 2010 documentary Catfish.

The name "Ishpeming" comes from Ojibwa ishpiming 'above, in the air, on high'.[5]

Geography edit

Ishpeming is in central Marquette County, 15 miles (24 km) west of Marquette, the county seat. It is bordered to the east by the city of Negaunee. According to the United States Census Bureau, Ishpeming has a total area of 9.35 square miles (24.22 km2), of which 8.74 square miles (22.64 km2) are land and 0.61 square miles (1.58 km2), or 6.50%, are water.[1] Ishpeming's elevation is 1,436 feet (438 m) above mean sea level, which is over 800 feet (240 m) higher than that of nearby Lake Superior. The highlands of Ishpeming and the surrounding area, including the city of Negaunee to its east, receive an unusually high yearly average of lake-effect snow.

Climate edit

This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Ishpeming has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.[6]

Climate data for Ishpeming, Michigan, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 2007–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 45
(7)
58
(14)
81
(27)
84
(29)
92
(33)
95
(35)
95
(35)
93
(34)
90
(32)
86
(30)
75
(24)
54
(12)
95
(35)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 22.1
(−5.5)
25.0
(−3.9)
35.5
(1.9)
47.4
(8.6)
62.4
(16.9)
72.2
(22.3)
77.6
(25.3)
75.8
(24.3)
67.9
(19.9)
53.2
(11.8)
38.2
(3.4)
26.9
(−2.8)
50.4
(10.2)
Daily mean °F (°C) 14.1
(−9.9)
15.3
(−9.3)
23.9
(−4.5)
36.2
(2.3)
50.2
(10.1)
60.5
(15.8)
65.3
(18.5)
63.4
(17.4)
56.0
(13.3)
43.3
(6.3)
30.4
(−0.9)
19.5
(−6.9)
39.8
(4.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 6.1
(−14.4)
5.6
(−14.7)
12.2
(−11.0)
25.0
(−3.9)
38.1
(3.4)
48.9
(9.4)
53.0
(11.7)
51.0
(10.6)
44.1
(6.7)
33.3
(0.7)
22.6
(−5.2)
12.2
(−11.0)
29.3
(−1.5)
Record low °F (°C) −25
(−32)
−30
(−34)
−26
(−32)
−7
(−22)
21
(−6)
30
(−1)
38
(3)
33
(1)
26
(−3)
9
(−13)
−11
(−24)
−22
(−30)
−30
(−34)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.59
(40)
1.34
(34)
1.23
(31)
2.41
(61)
2.95
(75)
3.09
(78)
3.88
(99)
2.36
(60)
3.61
(92)
3.61
(92)
2.19
(56)
1.99
(51)
30.25
(769)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 18.0 13.9 11.0 11.9 11.8 11.7 11.0 10.1 13.8 15.5 14.1 17.3 160.1
Source 1: NOAA[7]
Source 2: National Weather Service[8]

Demographics edit

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
18806,039
189011,19785.4%
190013,25518.4%
191012,448−6.1%
192010,500−15.6%
19309,238−12.0%
19409,4912.7%
19508,962−5.6%
19608,857−1.2%
19708,245−6.9%
19807,538−8.6%
19907,200−4.5%
20006,686−7.1%
20106,470−3.2%
20206,140−5.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]

2010 census edit

As of the census[10] of 2010, there were 6,470 people, 2,824 households, and 1,664 families living in the city. The population density was 740.3 inhabitants per square mile (285.8/km2). There were 3,149 housing units at an average density of 360.3 per square mile (139.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.0% White, 0.2% African American, 1.1% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 2,824 households, of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.1% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.85.

The median age in the city was 40.3 years. 21.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 17% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.2% male and 51.8% female.

2000 census edit

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 6,686 people, 2,915 households, and 1,757 families living in the city. The population density was 769.8 inhabitants per square mile (297.2/km2). There were 3,210 housing units at an average density of 369.6 per square mile (142.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.29% White, 0.06% Black, 1.20% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.27% from other races, and 0.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.81% of the population. 25.5% were of Finnish, 14.4% Italian, 14.1% English, 12.4% French, 7.3% German, 5.7% Swedish and 5.1% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000. 95.8% spoke English and 1.9% Finnish as their first language.

There were 2,915 households, out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.8% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.7% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,347, and the median income for a family was $38,924. Males had a median income of $36,310 versus $21,104 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,946. About 8.0% of families and 11.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.5% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation edit

Highways edit

Airport edit

Bus edit

  • Marquette has a bus system called the "MarqTran" that runs through Ishpeming and nearby places such as Sawyer International Airport and Negaunee.
  • Indian Trails bus lines operates daily intercity bus service between Hancock and Milwaukee with a stop in Ishpeming.[11]

Rail edit

 
Emigration plaquette

Historical events edit

  • The movie Anatomy of a Murder was filmed in Ishpeming and surrounding areas in 1959, based on the novel by Ishpeming native John D. Voelker under the pen name Robert Traver. Extensive 50th anniversary celebrations were held in 2009.[12]
  • The Green Bay Packers played their first ever road game in Ishpeming on October 19, 1919. The Packers defeated the local Twin City Football Team 33–0.[13]
  • At the end of the 19th century almost one third of the population of Åtvidaberg Municipality in Sweden emigrated to Ishpeming, as copper mines in the Åtvidaberg area closed down.[14] In 1994 this was commemorated by a plaquette at the Mormorsgruvan mine of Åtvidaberg.
  • The National Ski Association, the forerunner of the present-day United States Ski and Snowboard Association, was founded in Ishpeming on February 21, 1905. The founder and president was local banker and skier, Carl Tellefsen.[15]
  • On 3 November 1926, fifty-one people were killed in a mine collapse in or near Ishpeming.[16]

Notable people edit

  • Will H. Bradley, illustrator and designer of the Art Nouveau movement; apprentice in Ishpeming at the Iron Agitator, later known as the Iron Ore, from age 11 to 17, when he moved to Chicago[17]
  • Chuck Fairbanks, NCAA Division I and NFL head football coach. Ishpeming High School head coach, 1957 and 1958.
  • Tom Izzo, head coach, Michigan State University basketball. Head coach, Ishpeming High School, 1977.
  • Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, preeminent aviation engineer, designer of the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and leader of the Skunk Works.
  • Glenn T. Seaborg, Nobel prize-winning chemist
  • John D. Voelker, author under the pen name Robert Traver, and Michigan state Supreme Court justice
  • Leonard C. Ward, United States Army brigadier general who served as Chief of the Army Division at the National Guard Bureau and Commander of the 46th Infantry Division
  • Da Yoopers, band

Points of interest edit

Education edit

Ishpeming Public School District No. 1 consisting of:

  • Ishpeming High School: The school nickname is the Hematites, after the iron ore mined in the city.
  • Ishpeming Middle School (sharing the high school)
  • Birchview Elementary School

In the adjacent Ishpeming Township, the NICE Community School District consists of

  • Westwood High School: Mascot – Patriots
  • Aspen Ridge Middle School: Mascot – Patriots
  • Aspen Ridge Elementary School: Mascot – Patriots

INN (Ishpeming-Negaunee-NICE) Community School is an alternative high school located in Ishpeming in a church on Pine Street that consists of about 30 students as of March 2019.

Media edit

Ishpeming is the city of license for ABC network affiliate WBUP, channel 10, whose studios are located in Ishpeming while their transmitter is located south of Ely Township in unincorporated Marquette County. Ishpeming is primarily served by the Marquette media market.

Places of worship edit

  • Bethany Lutheran Church
  • Bethel Lutheran Church
  • Bible Baptist Church
  • Cross Bridge Church
  • Christ The King Lutheran Church
  • NorthIron Church
  • Grace Episcopal Church
  • Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church
  • Old Fashioned Baptist Church
  • St. Jacob Orthodox Christian Mission
  • St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
  • St. Joseph Catholic Church
  • Trinity Lutheran Church
  • United Evangelical Covenant Church
  • Wesley United Methodist Church
  • The Salvation Army

Festivals and events edit

  • Noquemanon Ski Marathon, January
  • Ski jumping competition at Suicide Hill[19]
  • National Ski Hall of Fame membership induction ceremonies
  • St. Rocco and St. Anthony Society of Ishpeming annual "Italian Fest", July
  • Marji Gesick 100 MTB race, Sept.

See also edit

  • Iron Ore, the city's weekly newspaper from 1886 to 1951
  • Peninsula 400, an express passenger train from Chicago that terminated in Ishpeming until 1969

References edit

  1. ^ a b "2022 U.S. Gazetteer Files: Michigan". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "P1. Race – Ishpeming city, Michigan: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  3. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  4. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  5. ^ "Ojibwe-English translation :: Ishpiming :: Dictionary".
  6. ^ Climate Summary for Ishpeming, Michigan
  7. ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Ishpeming WWTP, MI". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
  8. ^ "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Marquette". National Weather Service. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
  9. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  10. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  11. ^ "HANCOCK-MARQUETTE-GREEN BAY-MILWAUKEE" (PDF). Indian Trails. January 12, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 22, 2014. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
  12. ^ Monaghan, John (January 20, 2009). "The movie that put Ishpeming on the map: UP plans events this summer to mark 50th anniversary of 'Anatomy of a Murder'". Detroit Free Press..
  13. ^ "Twin City Meets Defeat: Ishpeming–Negaunee Eleven Lost by 33 to 0 Score to Green Bay". Iron Ore. Ishpeming. October 1919. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  14. ^ Staff (2008). "Swedish Migration and Settlement in Marquette County". Recorded in Stone: Voices on the Marquette Iron Range. Central Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan University Archives. Archived from the original on March 2, 2012. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  15. ^ Staff (2007). "USSA History". U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. Archived from the original on April 12, 2009. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  16. ^ ""Disasters"". Powell Valley News. 7 January 1927. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  17. ^ Meggs, Philip B.; Purvis, Alston W. (2012), Meggs' History of Graphic Design (5th ed.), Hoboken, New Jerssey: John Wiley & Sons Inc
  18. ^ St. John, James. "Jasper Knob". Ohio State University – Newark.[dead link]
  19. ^ Wood, Vivian (1997). "Ski Jumping Competion [sic] at Suicide Hill, Ishpeming, Michigan". Exploring the North. Self-published. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  • Boyum, Burt; LaFreniere, Jamie (2003). The Ishpeming Ski Club: Over a Century of Skiing. US National Ski and Hall of Fame Museum.
  • Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Ishpeming" . Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.

External links edit

  • Official website