LEEBLAIN

NAME: LeeBlain
COUNTY: Thunder Bay
ROADS: 4WD
GRID: 1
CLIMATE: Snow in winter, warm in summer
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Summer
COMMENTS: Located on the north shore of Gunflint Lake (N48 06.293 W90 42.545). Accessible by rough road, by water via Canada or US and snowmobile.
REMAINS: Rock ovens, indentations of buildings, rail bed
LeeBlain was created in 1893 as a stop on the Port Arthur, Duluth and Western Railway (mile 83) on the north shore of Gunflint Lake. It was named after two Toronto businessmen who were backers of the railway, AB Lee Jr and Hugh Blain. The site consisted of a two storey hotel, several smaller buildings and a railway siding. There were also several rock ovens nearby that were used during the construction of the railway. A customs house was located nearby that operated between 1903 and 1909. The town was abandoned after 1903 when the railway stopped running to Gunflint Lake. Submitted by: Dave Battistel


Rock Oven
Courtesy Dave Battistel


Railway Siding
Courtesy Dave Battistel

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