Additional detailed census information
coming soon
- demographics, population breakdown by age, sex, race, marital
status, housing information and more.
Gilbert's beginnings can be traced to a mining location
which began around 1892 and became the Village of Sparta in 1896. When the
town had to move to clear the way for iron ore mining, it took the name of
the nearest group of mines - Gilbert. Today the Gilbert mine is gone, but
the City of Gilbert is located just outside of Virginia, on Highway 135, and
Sparta is a smaller community between Eveleth and Gilbert. Gilbert was
hailed at birth as the prospective "principal city of the Range." Ore in the
Gilbert district was discovered as early as 1891 at the McKinley Mine but
none was shipped until 1896 when the Genoa Mine was opened. Development was
slow because of the hard taconite formation, quicksand, and a large amount
of water beneath the deposits.
Gilbert was incorporated as a village in 1908 despite a
protest filed by the Pitt Iron Company insisting that part of the area was
mining land not "conditioned"...to be subjected to village government." The
State Supreme Court upheld the company and the newly elected officials were
ousted. During this period, Gilbert's population was increased by the
residents from the town site of Sparta, one-half mile south; Sparta had been
purchased by the Oliver Mining Company when high-grade iron ore was found
beneath it. The village of Sparta, organized in 1897, was dissolved in 1911.
Gilbert, finally incorporated in 1909, was built
substantially. The road that became Broadway was hewn from the stand of pine
that covered the town site; at one time, this road was part of a
twenty-eight-mile boardwalk connecting the eastern Mesabi Range towns.
Gilbert was also the eastern terminus of the Mesabi
Electric Railway, an interurban streetcar line which ran from Gilbert to
Hibbing.
The vote to incorporate Gilbert as a village came in 1908,
and in a tradition that was to be Gilbert's trademark for years to come, the
Village Council's first act was to grant a liquor license. See other
information from 90 years ago.
The Iron Range Historical society has opened a museum in
the old Gilbert City Hall. Photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia reflect
the area's heritage. There is also a research room filled with historical
books for those interested in researching their family tree. See Genealogy
and History Publications.
VILLAGE OF DESTINY
Gilbert (1,593 alt., 2,504 pop.), hailed at
birth as the prospective "principal city of the range," has been
incorporated twice and involved in many controversies.
It was inevitable after iron ore had been
found at Biwabik (see Biwabik) and points farther west on the Mesabi that
the section between Biwabik and Mountain Iron (see Mountain Iron) would be
explored. Ore in the Gilbert district was discovered as early as 1891 at the
McKinley Mine (inactive), but none was shipped until 1896, when the Genoa
(inactive) was opened. Development was slow because of the hard taconite
formation, quicksand, and large amount of water beneath the deposits. One of
the early companies reported pumping as much as 4,000 gallons per minute
from one mine.
Settlements soon grew near the mines, but it
was not until 1907 that the Gilbert Townsite Company, organized by W. J.
Smith, J. A. Robb, C. E. Bailey, and D. W. Freeman, of Eveleth, platted an
80-acre town site at the logical center of activity. They named it in honor
of Giles Gilbert, a fee-owner of a mine also bearing his name.
Gilbert was incorporated as a village in
1908, despite a protest filed by the Pitt Iron Company, which insisted that
part of the area was mining land, not "conditioned to be subjected to
village government." The State Supreme Court upheld the company, and the
newly elected village officials were ousted. During this period, Gilbert's
population was increased by an influx from the town site of Sparta, one-half
mile south, on Cedar Island Lake, which had been purchased by the Oliver
Iron Mining Company when a deposit of high grade ore was found beneath it.
The village of Sparta, organized in 1897, was dissolved in 1911.
A year after its defeat by the mining
company, Gilbert petitioned successfully for village status. More trouble
was brewing, however, for animosity between the Gilbert and Sparta factions
kept the town involved in disagreements for some time. Gilbert wished to
annex more property, increasing its valuation from less than $1,000,000 to
more than $5,000,000. The Oliver Iron Mining Company objected. This suit the
village won.
Gilbert has been built substantially. The old
road that became Broadway Street (State 37) was hewn from the stand of pine
that covered the town site, and at one time was part of a 28-mile boardwalk
connecting the Mesabi Range towns. The Bailey Block (202-214 N. Broadway
St.), a concrete structure, was the first permanent building to be erected.
The Village Hall, of stone and brick, was built in 1915 at a cost of
$30,000.. Modern public utilities have been installed, and water is piped
from Cedar Island Lake (Sparta and Ely Lake Rd., 1.5 miles south).
Four of the eight schools in School District
No. 18 form the Gilbert campus (built in 1911), the Junior High, the
Primary, and the Technical (built in 1916). The Technical School has a
swimming pool, two gymnasiums, and excellent shop-work facilities as well as
an agricultural department. The district employs 60 teachers and has an
enrollment of approximately 1,000. The Public Library (1-5 S. Broadway St.)
is a modern structure of cream-colored brick.
Lake
Ore-be gone is the result of natural flooding of three iron ore
mines: the Gilbert, the Schley, and the Pettit. Together these mines
produced and shipped over 35 million tons of iron ore between 1902
and 1981, making this area a historical landmark in itself.
This reclaimed mine pit has become a
modern "Mecca" for water skiers, fishermen swimmers and scuba
divers. This huge mine pit lake spans over 140 acres. The lake
includes boat landing, a swimming beach area, changing rooms, large
parking area, a pavilion, and even a fish cleaning hut to clean your
days catch.
The
Taconite State Trail stretches 165 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely
and intersects with the Arrowhead State Trail just west of Lake
Vermillion. Portions are paved for biking and in-line skating. The
remainder of the natural surface trail is used primarily for
snowmobiling in the winter. The trail goes through a few areas that
have standing water in the summer, however portions of the trail are
suitable for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.
The Taconite Trail winds through forests of birch
and aspen intertwined with pine, leading the visitor by many
isolated lakes and streams. From Grand Rapids heading north, you see
the impact of the taconite and iron mining industry. The northern
portion of the trail terrain is rolling and tree covered as it winds
through state and national forest land.
Eight trail waysides and picnic facilities offer
scenic vistas of the hills, lakes and rivers of this area. The trail
also links three state parks: Bear Head Lake, Soudan Underground
Mine, and McCarthy Beach. The landscape in and around Bear Head Lake
State Park is very rolling and rocky.
The Iron Range Jeep
Jamboree highlights include 4X4 Rock Crawl & Obstacle Course. Held
at Minnesota's first designated off highway recreation area, the
event will be guaranteed fun for novices and experts.
Held at the OHV Park in
Gilbert, the two-day event will feature modified and stock classes.
An ATV pull-event will also be featured. Vendor booths offering
official ATV merchandise, ‘swap’ area and a variety of food &
beverages will be available.
Rent
an ATV from Adventure Rental and ride through the Northwoods in
Minnesota´s only Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. Adventure
Rental is located in Gilbert, Minnesota just three hours from the
Twin Cities. We are excited to be in our new and permanent location
along side of the OHVRA trail!!!
Arrowhead Transit was formed in 1974 and has improved
the quality of life for thousands of residents in Northeastern
Minnesota. Our bus service represents a lifeline to residents living
in rural areas.
We provide coordinated public transportation to
the residents of the seven county area which include: Aitkin,
Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and Street Louis. Arrowhead
Transit provides flexible service with several routes to choose from
and with using Dial-A-Ride. Arrowhead Transit is flexible to meet
everyone’s needs for transportation.
Back in Time Antiques
123 Broadway Street N.
Gilbert, MN 55741
(218)
741-0004
Bernie's Pub
115 N. Broadway Street
PO Box 417
Gilbert, MN 55741-0417
(218) 741-2146
Big Al's Bar
102 N. Broadway Street
PO Box 957
Gilbert, MN 55741-0957
2 North Broadway Street
PO Box 1000 Gilbert, MN 55741-1000
(218)
741-7844
We
offer a wide variety of checking accounts and savings plans to suit
your special needs. As we are an independent bank serving the Iron
Range area since 1908, our products and services are designed for
customers within our local community. We're here to serve you, in a
prompt, efficient and friendly manner.
17 N. Broadway Street
PO Box 758
Gilbert, MN 55741
(218)
748-2230
We
offer a broad range of materials for reading and viewing:
newspapers, magazines, fiction, nonfiction, audio and video tapes
and discs. We also offer computer, fax and copy services. We have
public Internet stations and will be glad to help you learn to use
our online, 29-library,
COMPASS catalog, information databases and other WWW resources.
If we don't have what you want, we can easily order library
materials or request information for you from a vast base of
Interlibrary Loan libraries throughout the nation. Call or come by
soon to "check us out" and apply for your free library card.
57
RV/tent sites overlooking Lake Ore-Be-Gone. Elec./water hookups.
Grills, showers, indoor toilets, 20 sites w/sewers, dump station,
fire rings, firewood, ice, swimming beach, hiking trails, boat
launch, fishing pier, picnic shelter, ball field, groceries.,
beverage, liquor stores, laundry. Medical facilities within 4 mi.
Home of Iron Range Historical Society. Trail to Minnesota's only OHV
park, Mesabi biking/walking trail, Ironworld. Manager on duty.
Brochure inc. map. 50 mi. from Duluth, 1 block off Hwy. 37 in
Gilbert, 3 mi. E. Hwy. 53.
19 S. Broadway Street
PO Box 786
Gilbert, MN. 55741-0786
(218)
749-3150
The "Old
City Hall " was built in 1915. This housed all the City Offices and
the Police Department. The "New City Hall" complex was built in
1993. It houses Main City Offices, Police Department, and Fire Hall.
This building is across the street from the "Old City Hall"
The Iron Range Historical Society is housed in
Gilbert's old City Hall /Police Station/Jail building. This is a
very unique building, The Police Station is on the main floor.
Within the Police Station is one of the last old time jails known in
existence. It is well worth the trip to see all the state of the art
functions for it's time. The Law Enforcement Museum is also in this
area. Just a few pictures of what you will find.
Jim's Seldom Inn
209 S. Broadway Street
PO Box 685
Gilbert, MN 55741
At Lynn's
Ceramics & Gifts, we take the highest pride in our products. All
steps to produce our products are done by us. From making the slip
to the painting of the finished items you see. Made with USA Pride.
I was first introduced to the art of Ceramics 25 years ago. I
immediately found a passion for this art form. After attending "Home
Studio Classes" and driving my teacher crazy for something new all
the time, I took classes to become a Certified Teacher. I have been
teaching for nearly 15 years. Over the years to follow ,we expanded
to a downtown location. Our mold inventory is over 2,000 and we
carry a full line of products and services for this art form. I
still continue to teach in our Class Room Studio.
Memory Lane Cafe
223 N. Broadway Street
PO Box 974
Gilbert, MN 55741-0974
Send us your favorite photo or graphic
and let our computers do the reStreet Photo alterations are
available such as replacing backgrounds and removing
unwanted items. Also print a message to your loved one. The
possibilities are endless for the gift that is timeless. Any
of our products can be imprinted to your specifications. Use
for your own personal use, fund raisers, business
advertising, sporting & entertainment events, class or
family reunions.
Sherwood
Forest is a campers delight. A modern campground in the heart of
northeastern Minnesota. Whether you are a tent camper or RVer,
Sherwood Forest has a site to suit your needs. You may choose from
no hook up to full hook up. Sherwood Forest has 20 full hook up
sites, 19-water/electrical sites, 4 electrical sites, and 14 no hook
up site. Sites are known for their larger than normal size. The
campground is complete with paved roads, restrooms, showers and a
playground, plus easy access to Lake Ore-be-gone, by road or walking
trails.
Enjoy
a vacation tucked away in the gentle pines of Gilbert, MN with easy
access to nearby Lake-Ore-Be-Gone and Ely Lake, Iron Range OHV & ATV
Park, Mineview in the Sky, US Hockey Hall of Fame (Eveleth), World’s
Largest Hockey Stick and Puck, Mesabi Trail™, Fayal Pond
Hiking/Biking Trail and Active Mine Tours.
We offer 49 camping spots (including 28 drive
through sites for large campers/RVs), Men's and Women's handicap
accessible bathrooms, on site laundry and shower facilities, ATV
washing station, ice, firewood and other amenities to provide you
with convenience and hospitality on your vacation.
Whistling Bird Cafe & Bar
101 N. Broadway Street
PO Box 597
Gilbert, MN 55741-0597
(218) 741-7544
Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava
Funeral Home
108 N Broadway Street
PO Box 309
Gilbert, MN 55741
Lake
Ore-be gone is the result of natural flooding of three iron ore
mines: the Gilbert, the Schley, and the Pettit. Together these mines
produced and shipped over 35 million tons of iron ore between 1902
and 1981, making this area a historical landmark in itself.
This reclaimed mine pit has become a
modern "Mecca" for water skiers, fishermen swimmers and scuba
divers. This huge mine pit lake spans over 140 acres. The lake
includes boat landing, a swimming beach area, changing rooms, large
parking area, a pavilion, and even a fish cleaning hut to clean your
days catch.
The
Taconite State Trail stretches 165 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely
and intersects with the Arrowhead State Trail just west of Lake
Vermillion. Portions are paved for biking and in-line skating. The
remainder of the natural surface trail is used primarily for
snowmobiling in the winter. The trail goes through a few areas that
have standing water in the summer, however portions of the trail are
suitable for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.
Rent
an ATV from Adventure Rental and ride through the Northwoods in
Minnesota´s only Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. Adventure
Rental is located in Gilbert, Minnesota just three hours from the
Twin Cities. We are excited to be in our new and permanent location
along side of the OHVRA trail!!!
57
RV/tent sites overlooking Lake Ore-Be-Gone. Elec./water hookups.
Grills, showers, indoor toilets, 20 sites w/sewers, dump station,
fire rings, firewood, ice, swimming beach, hiking trails, boat
launch, fishing pier, picnic shelter, ball field, groceries.,
beverage, liquor stores, laundry. Medical facilities within 4 mi.
Home of Iron Range Historical Society. Trail to Minnesota's only OHV
park, Mesabi biking/walking trail, Ironworld. Manager on duty.
Brochure inc. map. 50 mi. from Duluth, 1 block off Hwy. 37 in
Gilbert, 3 mi. E. Hwy. 53.
Enjoy
a vacation tucked away in the gentle pines of Gilbert, MN with easy
access to nearby Lake-Ore-Be-Gone and Ely Lake, Iron Range OHV & ATV
Park, Mineview in the Sky, US Hockey Hall of Fame (Eveleth), World’s
Largest Hockey Stick and Puck, Mesabi Trail™, Fayal Pond
Hiking/Biking Trail and Active Mine Tours.
