Ironwood, settled in 1885 as the commercial center of the Gogebic iron mining district, incorporated as a city in 1889 and erected this City Hall building a year later. Designed by George Mennie, the Lake Superior sandstone and brick structure initially contained a jail, fire station, library, and city offices. Later, the fire and police departments occupied the building exclusively, and firemen hung their hoses to dry from the 85 foot tower.