Julien Dubuque's Mines is a historic district which includes Julien Dubuque Monument. The site is significant for being the location of the Meskwaki-operated lead mine district overseen by Julien Dubuque ca. 1788–1810. The area was known as the "Mines of Spain" because Dubuque was required to submit his claims to Spain, who controlled the territory prior to 1801. After his death, the Meskwaki built a log crypt for Dubuque; which was replaced in the late 19th century by an imposing stone monument.
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1993.
The Mines of Spain NHL district designation includes five associated NRHP sites:
- Julien Dubuque Monument (NRHP 88002662)
- Mines of Spain Area Rural Community Archeological District (NRHP 88002663)
- Mines Of Spain Lead Mining Community Archeological District (NRHP 88002664)
- Dubuque Trading Post-Village Of Kettle Chief Archeological District (NRHP 88002665)
- Mines of Spain Prehistoric District (NRHP 88002666)
Famous quotes containing the word mines:
“The humblest observer who goes to the mines sees and says that gold-digging is of the character of a lottery; the gold thus obtained is not the same thing with the wages of honest toil. But, practically, he forgets what he has seen, for he has seen only the fact, not the principle, and goes into trade there, that is, buys a ticket in what commonly proves another lottery, where the fact is not so obvious.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)