Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
AVENUE TOP MINING COMPANY
AVENUE TOP MINING COMPANY. One of Dubuque's richest ZINC producers, the Avenue Top Company was incorporated with $25,000 on January 19, 1906. Frank Coates, Sr. was the president. Operating at peak production in 1906-1907, the Avenue Top Mine was located on the site now occupied by Steve's Plumbing at 1094 University Avenue. The site had been a LEAD mine until 1880.
The Avenue Top Mine was first developed in 1875 by the McNulty, Burt and Company with the discovery of a large body of GALENA in the uppermost level or first opening. The working were later expanded to include three levels. The deepest level yielded sphalerite (ZnS) known locally as BLACKJACK. In the 1890's the eastern portion of the workings were operated by the Avenue Top Mining Company and the western portion were operated by the Bush Mining Company. The main shaft was located at the present intersection of University and Booth Streets. The exact location is under the electric substation. The shaft was 200 feet to the third opening, 120 feet to the second and 60 feet to the first.
Ore was processed through a company operated concentrator near the downtown railroad yard and was smelted at Simpson's Furnace.
