"Jacobsbakken" (1 of 9)
Description
The buildings located at Jacobsbakken are situated 600 metres above sea level on a treeless mountain plain. Above the residences on the mountain slope there are remnants of mining activity. There are several tailing piles and a lift shaft that provided access to the mine.
The residential buildings at Jacobsbakken are clustered along the course of a stream in a south-north direction. The stream is dammed and the pond that formed called Vaffelkaktjønna. The lower area of the site was referred to as "Indianerstaten", while "Negerbyen" was situated closest to Vaffelkaktjønna. The buildings have an eclectic style and character and are constructed from wooden materials, such as timber, half-timbered framework or timber frames. By and large the residences housed workers and in some cases families. Located at the north end of the site is the old assembly building.
Several buildings were relocated to Jacobsbakken from the surrounding rural area and other parts of the country. These buildings are "Kåfjord" originally located in Kåfjord by Alta, "Kabelvåg" relocated from Vågan in Lofoten and "Kapstø" once located at Kapstø by the Skjerstadfjord. These are all examples of relocated buildings that were adapted for local conditions and new purposes.
In 1930 there were 250 people living at Jacobsbakken, which was its own school district. There was a shop, post office and public library. At that time there were roughly 55 buildings along with outbuildings for the mine. Several years later the smaller buildings and mining equipment were removed. Today there are nearly 30 buildings left as relics of the mining operations which were shut down in 1968. For a number of years Jacobsbakken has served as a holiday campsite for the Norwegian Lutheran Mission (NLM). The buildings are well maintained. Some of the structures have been adapted for new purposes. Because the physical environment of Jacobsbakken is preserved it represents a piece of industrial and residential history. The buildings date from different time periods and demonstrate local building methods. In addition the structures reflect changes in architectural style throughout three fourths of a century.
The residential buildings at Jacobsbakken are clustered along the course of a stream in a south-north direction. The stream is dammed and the pond that formed called Vaffelkaktjønna. The lower area of the site was referred to as "Indianerstaten", while "Negerbyen" was situated closest to Vaffelkaktjønna. The buildings have an eclectic style and character and are constructed from wooden materials, such as timber, half-timbered framework or timber frames. By and large the residences housed workers and in some cases families. Located at the north end of the site is the old assembly building.
Several buildings were relocated to Jacobsbakken from the surrounding rural area and other parts of the country. These buildings are "Kåfjord" originally located in Kåfjord by Alta, "Kabelvåg" relocated from Vågan in Lofoten and "Kapstø" once located at Kapstø by the Skjerstadfjord. These are all examples of relocated buildings that were adapted for local conditions and new purposes.
In 1930 there were 250 people living at Jacobsbakken, which was its own school district. There was a shop, post office and public library. At that time there were roughly 55 buildings along with outbuildings for the mine. Several years later the smaller buildings and mining equipment were removed. Today there are nearly 30 buildings left as relics of the mining operations which were shut down in 1968. For a number of years Jacobsbakken has served as a holiday campsite for the Norwegian Lutheran Mission (NLM). The buildings are well maintained. Some of the structures have been adapted for new purposes. Because the physical environment of Jacobsbakken is preserved it represents a piece of industrial and residential history. The buildings date from different time periods and demonstrate local building methods. In addition the structures reflect changes in architectural style throughout three fourths of a century.
