Though several ethnic groups arrived in the Copper Country during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Finnish immigrants consisted as one of the largest groups. Drawn by labor opportunities in the mines and the prevalence of cheap land, Finns brought their culture to Michigan, with a major split existing between members of the Lutheran Church and secular immigrants espousing socialist politico-labor ideals. Though this cultural break is largely lost to time, 36.1% to 60.4% of the population in the Western UP can claim Finnish ancestry and cultural centers, such as Finlandia University, still remain in operation.
