There was Wilma Robbins, who for a time rented cabins at the old Steegle place. There was the County Recorder, Olive Smalley, prospectors Roy Scrivens and Clark Neeley, and Ralph Page, and Jess Smith. I can tell stories almost forever about the folks in Cuprum, (it was pronounced “K-ewe-prum” because the old timers didn’t know how to pronounce the Latin. The Idaho Historical Society has a few pictures of the Cuprum area, including the Seven Devil’s Hotel and Bar. “Modern” Cuprum has a few dozen summer residents, and as of the 1970’s, some logging work. It was still in continuous operation until the late 1980’s, but was finally completely closed and the buildings destroyed in 2006. Local reserves of mined copper ore were able to keep the mine running until 1979. The Copper Cliff mine was started in 1974 to much optimism. In 1960, $400,000 worth of copper was recovered from the area. Kleinschmidt grade continues to be a huge hurdle despite multiple attempts to bypass it. Since then repeated attempts to mine the area have all been minimally successful. By the time this was resolved, it was found that the open pit type of mining pioneered in Montana was not a good fit for the Seven Devils mining region that Cuprum is part of. The Pacific and Idaho Northern railroad was supposed to be built through here with an eventual stop at Landore, Idaho 20 miles north, but litigation among mine owners in the area ended up halting it’s construction. An hospital was built here in 1897, and a Post Office was established the same year on December 1st. Several mines were in the area, leading to the need for a town. Cuprum is Latin for “Copper,” an apt description as this remote part of Idaho likely still has huge untapped copper deposits. Cuprum is 1.6 miles further.ĭescription: Sit back and enjoy the drive along parts of the Snake River that most people don’t get to see. Continue for another two and half miles, when Council Cuprum Road joins Windy Ridge Road. In 5 and half miles Windy Ridge Road joins Kleinschmidt Grade at a “Y” intersection. This road is also labeled National Forest Development Road 050. Just under six miles, take right onto Kleinschmidt Grade. After crossing the river take a left onto Hells Canyon Road. Take a right towards Copperfield, Oregon, then take the next right to cross the Snake River again on NF-4545. The road will cross the Snake River to Brownlee, Oregon and then join OR-86. At the town of Cambridge Idaho, take a left on to ID-71. Kleinscmidt Grade is an historic road known for it’s steep grade.įrom Ontario, Oregon head north on US-95 North for 44 miles. GPS: Latitude: 45.0865458, Longitude: -116.6893141ĭirections: *Note* Two wheel drive accessible only in summer months. Class: H1 (Copper mines originally, now Summer Cabins and loggers.)
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