User:Nashoid/Devilfish
Devilfish, Minnesota | |
|---|---|
|
City | |
| City of Devilfish | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Cook County, Minnesota |
| Founded | 1861 |
| Named for | Northern Pike |
| Government | |
| • Type | Commission |
| • Mayor | Susan Gilliam |
| • Commissioners |
|
| Area | |
| • City | 220 sq mi (600 km2) |
| Elevation | 620 ft (200 m) |
| Highest elevation (Eagle Mountain) | 2,301 ft (700 m) |
| Lowest elevation (Lake Superior) | 601 ft (200 m) |
| Population (2019) | 115,584 |
| • Urban | 254,812 |
| Demonym(s) | Devilfishian |
| Time zone | CST |
| • Summer (DST) | CDT |
| ZIP Codes |
55200-55299 |
| Area codes | 218 |
Devilfish is a city in the US state of Minnesota and the county seat of Cook County. Its metropolitan area comprises the third-largest in the state, after Minneapolis and (narrowly) Duluth. It is also the third-largest city on Lake Superior with a population of 252,447 in 2020.
The city has a rich history of mining dating back to the 1800s, however changing economic times have left the city in a financial slump. While reclamation (and associated industries) continue in some limited fashion, tourism and agriculture are beginning to take a larger share of the city's wealth.
"Devilfish" is a nickname for the Northern Pike, a fish common in the region, after which the city was named.
History
Early History
First inhabited by the Ojibwe people, European civilization was not familiar with the area until the late 1600s, when French fur traders began settling in the area. Several small settlements were made, largely centered on logging and fishing.
In 1854, the Grand Portage Indian Reservation was established as part of a treaty with the Ojibwe people. However, no less than twenty years later, significant copper reserves were found on and near the reservation land. The Grand Portage Mining Company, founded in 1876 by William J. Stannard, quickly established itself in the region.
The Grand Portage Mining Company
Stannard, through a combination of tactics such as bribery and ballot stuffing, quickly established his company as a local monopoly. By the late 1800s, almost 70% of Devilfish's workforce was paid by the GPMC or one of its subsidiaries. As his power grew, Stannard even had large swathes of the Grand Portage Reservation annexed, leaving only a small chunk of land remaining.
In the late 1800s, Devilfish was wracked by the so-called Union Wars, a series of conflicts lasting almost two decades between GMPC management and the Devilfish Brotherhood of Miners. Over 600 were killed in skirmishes between the workers and GMPC men, culminating in the Crescent Lake Massacre of 1899, when the National Guard was called in to evict striking DBM workers from a mine. Twenty were killed and another hundred injured, and after desperate negotiations mediated by the state, a tense stalemate has existed ever since.
As demand for copper rapidly rose in the 20th century, mining in Devilfish rapidly transitioned from underground mining to open pits. The largest of which, Farquhar Mine, remained operating until 2003. A combination of tightening environmental regulations and an abundance of cheaper foreign copper lead to mine closures beginning in the 70s. GMPC eventually went bankrupt in 1988, resulting in thousands losing pensions and retirement funds. The EPA to date has designated twenty-seven different Superfund sites in Cook County alone, as the successors to the GPMC have so far declined to address the century of pollution the city faces.
Changing Times
As the rest of the world reeled from the advent of parahumanity, Devilfish found itself relatively isolated, as few members of the emerging "cape culture" found themselves attracted to the former economic powerhouse. PRT records suggest that there weren't even any capes in the region until the 1992 trigger of the villain Tyrannochorus, although the common consensus is that those who triggered in Devilfish found better opportunities elsewhere.
However, as of 2019 a surge in parahuman activity has been seen in the Devilfish area, with the local PRT field office reporting a startling rise in parahuman-involved crime. The cause of the spike seems unclear, but ongoing plans are being made to address it.
Geography
Neighborhoods & Communities
Grand Portage Reservation
The Grand Portage Indian Reservation (Ojibwe language: Gichi-onigamiing) is the Indian reservation of the Grand Portage Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, a federally recognized tribe in Minnesota.
While most of the tribal lands were annexed during the city’s copper boom, The reservation is located near the tip of Minnesota's Arrowhead Region in the extreme northeast part of the state. Historically, the community was considered part of the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa but is not a party to the treaties that group signed. The reservation was established as part of the 1854 Treaty of La Pointe.
The community operates a casino, the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino. The Grand Portage National Monument is located on the reservation and managed by the National Park Service. The site includes a reconstructed trading post which is authentic for the 18th century.
In 2000, Minnesota returned ownership of the 300-acre (1.2 km2) Grand Portage State Park to the Chippewa Band, which was lost more than 50 years ago in a tax forfeiture. In a unique arrangement in the state, this is the only state park to be managed jointly by the state and an American Indian band. The park includes a 120-foot high waterfall, which has been a landmark for centuries. The band employs its members as staff of the park.
Pineland Colony
Hutterites (German: Hutterer), also called Hutterian Brethren (German: Hutterische Brüder), are a communal ethnoreligious branch of Anabaptists, who, like the Amish and Mennonites, trace their roots to the Radical Reformation of the early 16th century and have formed intentional communities.
The Pineland Colony (or Pineland Hutterite Colony) was founded in 1927 in rural Cook County, Minnesota. They are an independent Anabaptist community of Hutterite tradition. As of 2024 the ministers are Daniel Kauffman and Isaiah Walter and the manager is Paul Wollman.
Climate
Devilfish has a humid continental climate that is prevalent throughout the state. Its version is significantly cooler in summers than more southerly areas and more severe in winters. Precipitation is dominant in summers, but can render some high volumes of snowfall in winter.
| Climate data for Devilfish, Minnesota (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1895–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 50 (10) |
56 (13) |
67 (19) |
82 (28) |
88 (31) |
95 (35) |
94 (34) |
94 (34) |
87 (31) |
78 (26) |
67 (19) |
52 (11) |
95 (35) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 39.3 (4.1) |
42.7 (5.9) |
53.0 (11.7) |
64.6 (18.1) |
77.1 (25.1) |
82.6 (28.1) |
86.3 (30.2) |
85.2 (29.6) |
79.1 (26.2) |
68.5 (20.3) |
53.4 (11.9) |
41.6 (5.3) |
88.7 (31.5) |
| Average high °F (°C) | 20.3 (−6.5) |
24.3 (−4.3) |
34.4 (1.3) |
45.4 (7.4) |
58.1 (14.5) |
67.7 (19.8) |
73.6 (23.1) |
73.0 (22.8) |
64.8 (18.2) |
51.4 (10.8) |
37.5 (3.1) |
25.8 (−3.4) |
48.0 (8.9) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 10.5 (−11.9) |
13.1 (−10.5) |
23.7 (−4.6) |
35.8 (2.1) |
47.4 (8.6) |
56.9 (13.8) |
63.0 (17.2) |
62.6 (17.0) |
54.4 (12.4) |
42.4 (5.8) |
29.6 (−1.3) |
17.5 (−8.1) |
38.1 (3.4) |
| Average low °F (°C) | 0.7 (−17.4) |
2.0 (−16.7) |
13.0 (−10.6) |
26.2 (−3.2) |
36.8 (2.7) |
46.1 (7.8) |
52.3 (11.3) |
52.1 (11.2) |
44.0 (6.7) |
33.3 (0.7) |
21.8 (−5.7) |
9.2 (−12.7) |
28.1 (−2.2) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −21.3 (−29.6) |
−17.8 (−27.7) |
−9.6 (−23.1) |
12.7 (−10.7) |
26.7 (−2.9) |
35.6 (2.0) |
43.6 (6.4) |
43.0 (6.1) |
31.7 (−0.2) |
22.5 (−5.3) |
3.7 (−15.7) |
−13.8 (−25.4) |
−24.3 (−31.3) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −39 (−39) |
−48 (−44) |
−29 (−34) |
−22 (−30) |
18 (−8) |
25 (−4) |
38 (3) |
31 (−1) |
24 (−4) |
10 (−12) |
−18 (−28) |
−28 (−33) |
−48 (−44) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 1.35 (34) |
1.03 (26) |
1.33 (34) |
2.79 (71) |
3.11 (79) |
3.58 (91) |
3.42 (87) |
3.04 (77) |
3.13 (80) |
3.40 (86) |
2.65 (67) |
1.74 (44) |
30.57 (776) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 12.2 (31) |
8.0 (20) |
8.0 (20) |
7.7 (20) |
0.2 (0.51) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.5 (1.3) |
6.7 (17) |
11.9 (30) |
55.2 (140) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 8.6 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 8.6 | 11.3 | 11.8 | 11.6 | 10.2 | 11.5 | 11.2 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 116.1 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 8.0 | 5.6 | 4.3 | 2.9 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 3.8 | 7.9 | 33.1 |
| Source: NOAA | |||||||||||||
Economy
Top Employers
Resource extraction has historically made up a sizable amount of local employment, and continues to do so to this day. The largest contributor in recent history being, the Devilfish Granite Company which operates one of the largest quarries in the Midwestern USA, providing a significant and consistent number of union backed jobs.
The Geopulse Resource Extraction Company, operates two high capacity ore mining operations, an extremely profitable copper mine opened in the mid-1900s, and a much more recent top of the line gold mine was opened in 2021.
A competitor, Vulcan Resources maintains a sizable iron extraction operation established in 2004. With intent to establish further extraction operations following conclusion of continued geological survey.
Superior Arsenal, a company that manufactures holsters, tactical gear, and firearm accessories, distributing product to retailers through out the Midwestern and Eastern US, as well as operating an online catalog. Providing numerous factory and logistical jobs.
CMQ Systems Incorporated operates several factories in Devilfish producing primarily drill bits and other small tool components on behalf of companies such as DeWalt, Ryobi, Milwaukee, and Makita.
The Mississippi River Restoration Initiative, a non-profit organization providing logisitcal support to FEMA for those living along the Mississippi River following the Minneapolis radiological disaster. They operate a major call-center in Devilfish that organizes and redirects callers to the applicable assistance organizations nationwide.
Government
Local Government
Politics
Military
Fort Calamity
- Mod note: This location has a notably strong security presence. If you are doing an event at this location, ping the Lore Mods and don't expect a fair fight.
This US Army base is located along the shores of Lake Superior, and the original 1800s-era post is preserved as a historic site, with public tours every weekday.
Devilfish Air National Guard Base
- Mod note: This location has a notably strong security presence. If you are doing an event at this location, ping the Lore Mods and don't expect a fair fight.
Located at Devilfish Airport, the 66th Fighter Wing provides air defense and air superiority for the region. They presently fly the F-15C/D Eagle. In addition, the US Coast Guard operates a helicopter detachment here, sharing facilities and resources.
Arts and Culture
Tourism
Historic Colville
Several city blocks of historic buildings, the central avenue in particular is like a time capsule back to the early 1900s. The Cook County Historical Society (CCHS) maintains a number of lovingly restored buildings, the saloon, sheriff's office, a narrow-gauge scenic railroad, and a telegraph office amongst many others.
The CCHS provides guided tours, and have detailed accounts on many facets of the area's history freely accessible on their website.
While many facets of Colville are genuine restored historical landmarks, there is a large number of faux-historic architecture that has been built after the fact to accommodate thematic tourist attractions, and small buisness' that benefit from those seeking a rustic experience, such as candy stores, antique malls, toy stores, and family restaurants.
Recreation
Northshore Arena
Hockey is the big sport in the city, and this arena is where it all happens. Renovated in 2006, it’s home to the Devilfish Orediggers (and the ladies’ team, the Canaries).
Camp Gunflint Summer Camp
Originally a lakeside resort, financial mismanagement resulted in the properties being sold and renovated. The American Camp association rents out the Facilities to a variety of organizations. Having been utilized heavily by the local Boy-Scout, and Girl-Scout troops, a variety of local church youth groups, as well as the local LGBT-Youth Advocacy coalition.
Rumors have it that the facilities have been used on occasion by Ward teams from across the state of Minnesota. This rumor is unconfirmed, but interested parties willing to do some digging through legal documents, would find that the facilities have passed an inspection by the Youth Guard, and the staff attended a training seminar around the same time.
Education
Eagle Mountain High School
Home of the creatively-chosen Eagles, this high school is the largest in Devilfish, with 3500+ students. A leaked internal memo shows that teachers have recently been required to take the PRT’s Wards Educator Training Seminar.
Divinity School
The local Christian combined school, this facility boasts the highest staff salary rates in the city, and a competitive sports program makes it a favorite for college scouts offering athletic scholarships.
Higher Education
Devilfish State University
The city’s public university, well-known for its mining engineering and geology programs.
Taylor College
Surrounding the shores of Taylor Lake, this community college recently started offering the city’s first PRT-accredited Parahuman Studies program.
Infrastructure
Transportation
The Devilfish International Airport (DSH), is the main commercial airport of the city. Primarily served by feeder routes heading to Minneapolis or Chicago.
The Devil’s Track Seaplane Base (0G5), Located on Devil’s Track Lake, a smaller airport is the core for general aviation traffic in the region. Contrary to its name, it features both a water runway and an asphalt strip along the shoreline.
Imperial Street Station is the city's historic train station, located just east of downtown. Aside from Amtrak service, it's also the central hub to the city's light rail service.
Healthcare
Mercy General Medical Center, acts as the primary hospital in the region, located in the heart of downtown. It is a certified level II trauma center.
The Saint René Hospital, is the most notable alternative to Mercy General, and operates many satellite clinics in the more remote areas.
The Devilfish Health Center, is operated by the Indian Health Service, this small hospital provides medical care to the members of the Grand Portage Reservation.
Utilities
Blueberry Island Nuclear Power Station
- Mod note: This location has a notably strong security presence. If you are doing an event at this location, ping the Lore Mods and don't expect a fair fight.
Commissioned in 1968, this facility on the shores of Lake Superior supplies all of the region’s power (with the surplus being exported). After a controversial accident in 1989 (a safety interlock failed during routine maintenance, resulting in two worker fatalities), it was taken over by the Department of Energy and is currently run under the Midwest Power Administration.
Brule River Waste Treatment Plant
Brule River Power Plant
The Brule River Power Plant is a large, eight-story brick building that was opened in 1902 by the Porter Light & Rail Company on the titular Brule River. The plant was decommissioned in 1969 as Devilfish phased out coal power in favor of nuclear with the opening of the station on Blueberry Island, and currently the building is in a state of disrepair. The degradation of asbestos used in pipe insulation and heat-resistant cement has led to the building being declared unsafe, but its status as a historical site and the cost of demolition has kept it standing.
Industry
Logging Industry
The Great Lakes Lumber Company operates a number of logging operations primarily in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The local operations in Cook County are relatively new, having only been established in 2019, but treats its employees well enough, and complies with the local union’s better than might be expected of a new addition to the area.
The Local operation covers a 60 acre area, and provides almost a hundred jobs to the residents of Devilfish.
Mining Industry
The Devilfish Granite Company, operates the aptly named Devilfish Granite Quarry, one of the largest granite mining operations in the state. Providing a consistent source of jobs to residents for many years. Has a rather sizable operation, even compared to the vast majority of industrial quarries.
The Vulcan Resources Iron Mine has been operating for over two decades, the mine has operated normally and without many issues. Has relatively secure facilities, even if their facilities may be slightly outdated. Everything is kept relatively well maintained, and on-site security aren't slackers.
The Geopulse Resource Extraction Company has two currently operating Mines in Cook County, The Geopulse Copper Mine & The new Geopulse Gold Mine.
The Geopulse Copper Mine, opened in the mid-1900’s and has been one of the Company's most profitable venture’s to date. The pay is good, and they tend to work well with the local unions. The Geopulse Gold Mine is relatively new mining operation, having only been established in the past 3 years. It has rather state of the art facilities and equipment.
Historical Industry
Farquar Mine Superfund Site
Officially known as Farquhar Mine, the Pit was at one time the largest operation of the Grand Portage Mining Company. It was closed in 2003 when it became too expensive to operate. Since then, it’s been slowly filling up with putrid brown water.
Closed Mining Operations
The Mulligan Quarry, was closed in 1994 after legal troubles, its proximity to the city, and the wide open expanse of flat rock, has occasionally seen the site used by parahumans for power experimentation.
The Deckard Company Iron Mine was abandoned in 1983, when the owner filed for bankruptcy. The location was sold, and then sold again, and then the company it was sold for went under. And as a result the actual ownership of the mine is debatable, and is caught up in bureaucratic limbo.
The Horsehead Copper Mine was condemned in 1993 after a collapsed tunnel resulted in flooding from a small nearby aquifer. A majority of the tunnels are flooded with the murky waters, there are some relatively tunnels and chambers that remain relatively untouched and usable.
Abandoned in 2003, the Intrepid Creek Copper Mine's prior owner having closed the operation, when the ore mined was no longer profitable. Proper procedures were followed, and the mining equipment, building facilities, and waste were dismantled or removed. As of now the process of Mine reclamation in in-progress.