After purchasing the land in 1905, U. S. Steel began construction of its first midwestern mill in 1906. Before building began, workers had to level the dunes, in order to create a flat grade upon which the complex would be built. Workers driving teams of horses and mules plowed through sand hills and sloughs, removing tons of sand, marsh grasses, cottonwood trees, and other vegetation.

Photographer: U. S. Steel Corp.
Source: Calumet Regional Archives, Indiana University Northwest, Gary (CRA-42-100-019)