Summary of "A Brief History of the Gile Flowage, Iron County Wisconsin"

Overview

This document, compiled by the Friends Of The Gile Flowage, delves into the history of the Gile Flowage in Iron County, Wisconsin. It highlights the pre-European settlement era, the impact of the fur trade, and the significance of the Gile Flowage's formation and its influence on the local communities and environment.

Key Points

• Pre-European Settlement: The Gile Flowage area, once a vital route for Native Americans, transformed significantly after Europeans sought its iron ore resources.
• Border Wars: A surveying error by Captain Cram in 1840 significantly impacted the Wisconsin-Michigan border, influencing the control and development of the Gile Flowage region.
• Tale of Two Cities: The document discusses the sibling rivalry between the communities of Montreal and Gile, shaped by their distinct natural resources: iron ore and white pine.
• The First Dam: The construction of the Montreal River Lumber Company dam in 1885 marked the start of industrialization in the area.
• The Birth of the Flowage (1936): The Wisconsin Public Service's decision to build a dam for hydroelectric power created the Gile Flowage, altering the landscape and local economy.
• Gile Flowage Dam: The dam, central to the Gile Flowage's existence, was designed solely for water storage, not power generation, affecting the region's hydro facilities.
• Water Levels: The fluctuating water levels of the Gile Flowage, essential for downstream hydro facilities, present unique challenges for local residents and ecosystem management.
• Gile Flowage Islands and Place Names: The document details the various islands and place names within the Gile Flowage, each with its own story and significance.

Conclusion

The Gile Flowage's history is a blend of geographical, industrial, and cultural narratives, deeply intertwined with the local communities and the natural environment of Iron County, Wisconsin.