Mining is no exception. Along with the logging industry, mining has shaped this region's economy. Early in the territories history, mining has been a staple economic generator that built most of the Midwest's largest cities, including Chicago. When you drive through the scenic "Driftless" area in western Wisconsin, you can't help but notice this industry's impact. Cities like New Diggings, Iron Ridge, and Mineral Point are just a few names of cities in the state that are named honoring the state's mining legacy. This area of western Wisconsin was once the most productive metallic mining areas in the United States ("Mining"). From the small lead mines carved out of hillsides in the 1800s, to large underground zinc mines that operated in the 1970s, Wisconsin has contributed greatly to the nation's metal supplies ("Mining"). The first capitol of the territory was in Belmont, WI, right in the heart of metal country of the famed "Driftless" area. Wisconsin has been home to over 400 zinc/copper mines over the course of its history, and has produced some 69 million tons of ore ("Mining"). You can also see this industry's influence on the state seal that appears on the state flag of Wisconsin shown to the right. The always-recognizable state mascot, "Bucky the Badger," is not the real representation of a badger that the mascots name is so famous for. In the early days of mining, prospectors, and eager miners set out to western Wisconsin to seek riches that were sitting in the ground. The miners would dig their holes in the ground during the day, and by night, use these holes for sleeping quarters. It is said that they looked like "badgers" sleeping there in the holes. While there is significant evidence to the impact of mining in Wisconsin, there is no getting around the environmental impacts that is a result of this industry. The Crandon Mine Company has contested that only old mines pollute.
