Bonanza, Colorado

Bonanza, Colorado 1880s
Bonanza, Colorado 1880s

Bonanza History

The first mineral-bearing lode was located in the district in May 1880 on Kerber Creek, where large silver-lead fissure veins were discovered. After the discovery, prospectors swarmed into the area, and the town of Bonanza was founded.

In 1911-12 the Rawley drainage tunnel was driven to tap the silver-lead-copper-zinc ore shoot of the Rawley vein, and in 1912 annual production increased from $9,600 to $80,000. Most of the ore in the Rawley shoot above the tunnel level was mined and milled between 1923 and 1930.

District production dropped abruptly in 1931 but was revived in the late 1930's and early 1940's. The mines were relatively inactive from 1952 through 1959. Total gold production through 1959 was about 17,000 ounces; virtually all production was a byproduct of base-metal and silver ores.

Bonanza had a post office from 1880 to 1938.

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Colorado Mining Photos

Placer mines at Cripple Creek, Colorado ca. 1892

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