Historic Silver Ingots: 19th Century Treasures
The ingots produced by the mines of the West’s great silver districts are some of the only remaining artifacts from from a bygone era of Western mining. As some of the few surviving artifacts from these camps, they are now prized by collectors. This article takes a look at silver ingots that have sold at auction over the last couple decades.
The Nevada Belmont Mine and Mill
What is now known as the Belmont mine was previously referred to as the Nevada Belmont and was operated by the Tonopah-Belmont Exploration Company. The mine was a lead producer, and only recorded production in 1926.
Stagecoach travel in Colorado was particularly daring, as the narrow roads were often cut into mountainsides, with high passes, hastily built bridges spanning deep ravines, and steep drop-offs only a few feet away.
Member’s Photo Compilation Volume IV
This member’s only photo compilation contains over 100 of the best historical photos from the mining regions of the West.
Creede, Colorado: A Photo Collection
The great silver boom at Creede, Colorado began in 1891. The railroad was offering regular passenger service to Creede by the end of that year, setting the stage for a huge influx of people by 1892. Also arriving in the area by train were journalists and photographers from around the nation, making this one of the best documented boom towns in the West.
The Humphreys Mill
Located just north of Creede, Colorado, the remains of the Humphreys Mill mark the site of a significant industrial facility that operated from 1902 to 1918. Primarily processing silver, lead, and zinc ores, the mill played an important role in Creede’s mining economy during the early 20th century.
It is often overlooked that the events surrounding “Gunfight at the OK Corral” occurred during one of the most important silver mining excitements in United States history, and many of the region’s mining camps and towns played a part in the events that unfolded.
William Keys and the Desert Queen Ranch
William Keys was a notable prospector and miner in the Death Valley region during the early 1900s. He later settled on a ranch in Southern California that later became part of Joshua Tree National Park. The ranch, which contains many interesting mining artifacts, is open for guided tours.
The Plumbago Mine – Alleghany District, California
The Plumbago mine was a gold producer located in Sierra County, California. The mine was worked intermittently for over a century.
Once one of Creede, Colorado’s most significant silver producers, the Last Chance Mine now offers underground tours that provide visitors with a fascinating look at the workings of an 1890s mine.
