John A. Paulson: The Man behind the Mystery as told by David Battistel

The story of the Paulson Mine, located in the western part of Cook County, Minnesota, has captivated people for many years. Touted as one of the great mining projects of the era, its failure in the early 1890s had a devastating impact on local economies spanning both sides of the border. The man behind this venture, John Paulson, was until recently an almost mythological figure. His life story however, from Norwegian immigrant, to Civil War veteran, to entrepreneur and finally to widowed farmer, is one of triumph and tragedy that exemplifies the North American experience in the 19th Century.

Dave Battistel is a history teacher, instructional leader and football coach at St. Patrick High School in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He is also the president of the Silver Mountain and Area Historical Society, an organization committed to preserving the history of the PAD&W among other things.

All presentations are family friendly and free to the public, held inside Chik-Wauk Nature Center.

Donations are always appreciated to help with the costs of supplies and event speakers