The Milford Mine experienced a devastating flood on February 5, 1924, when boggy water from nearby Foley Lake broke through, killing 41 miners and becoming Minnesota's worst mining disaster.
The Catastrophic Flood
The disaster unfolded at the Milford Mine, located approximately two miles north of Crosby, Minnesota. On the morning of February 5, 1924, operations were underway in the manganese mine when boggy water from Foley Lake suddenly flooded the mine's shafts. The main shaft, which had been sunk in 1917, reached a depth of 200 feet by 1924. The rapid inundation gave the miners little time to escape.
Key Details of the Milford Mine Disaster
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | February 5, 1924 |
| Location | Approximately two miles north of Crosby, Minnesota |
| Cause | Inrush of boggy water from Foley Lake |
| Mine Type | Manganese mine |
| Mine Depth (1924) | Main shaft 200 feet deep |
| Fatalities | 41 miners |
| Survivors | 7 miners |
| Historical Impact | Minnesota's worst mining disaster |
Human Cost and Survival
Of the many miners working that day, 41 tragically lost their lives in the flood. The suddenness and force of the water left little chance for escape. Only seven miners were able to climb to safety, making it out of the rapidly filling shafts. This event stands as a grim reminder of the inherent dangers faced by miners and remains a significant tragedy in Minnesota's history. For more historical context, details of the event are often highlighted when discussing significant industrial accidents in the state, such as in articles detailing the Milford Mine disaster, 1924.
