The Uncertain Future of Kinney: U.S. Steel’s Land Purchases and the Fate of a Tiny Iron Range Town

Iron Range Town of Kinney Faces Uncertain Future as U.S. Steel Buys Up Properties

The tiny town of Kinney, located on the Iron Range, made headlines in 1977 when it seceded from the United States to secure funding for a much-needed water system update. The Republic of Kinney, with a population of about 400 at the time, successfully drew attention to its infrastructure needs through this tongue-in-cheek secession.

However, fast forward to 2023, and Kinney is facing an uncertain future as U.S. Steel has bought up a significant portion of the town’s properties. With just 152 residents according to the 2020 U.S. Census, the town is now grappling with the impact of these property purchases.

U.S. Steel purchased 11 of the 14 properties sold in 2023, including homes and even the last remaining business in town, Liquid Larry’s bar, which was subsequently torn down. Many residents are now leasing their properties back from U.S. Steel, with the condition that they receive a six-month notice before needing to vacate.

For residents like Cassie Rivet, who has called Kinney home for 11 years, the uncertainty is palpable. With U.S. Steel’s properties bordering hers, she is determined to hold out on selling, at least until her children complete high school. The sense of community in Kinney is strong, with neighbors looking out for each other in times of need.

Longtime residents like Billy Wiltse, who has lived in Kinney since 1966, are coming to terms with the changes. Wiltse, who still owns property in Kinney, acknowledges the inevitability of U.S. Steel’s presence in the town.

As U.S. Steel remains tight-lipped about its plans for the purchased properties, residents like Scott Ellis are left wondering about the future of their town. With the history of Iron Range towns being reshaped by mining operations, the fate of Kinney hangs in the balance.

While the future of Kinney remains uncertain, the resilience and sense of community among its residents are evident. As the town navigates this new chapter, the spirit of Kinney lives on, even in the face of change.