Most known gold localities are no longer actively producing on a large scale or are actively mined as open pits, and the prospect of a nice nugget or matrix specimen is low. That is not to say that good size and quality nuggets are not being found, and good matrix specimens are still uncovered in old mines, now worked in the hopes of finding “pocket gold” specimens.
The Young America mine was one located in one of California’s most scenic locations. It was partly owned by famed mining engineer Philip Deidesheimer. In a twist “Phillip Deidesheimer” was caught stealing a large quantity of gold from the mine. This article exposes the scandal that the mine owners attempted to make quietly go away.
User Contributed Photos – 1930s Goldroad, Arizona
This collection of 1930s photos of the Goldroad Mine in Arizona was contributed by a family member of the man that once served as the superintendent of the Goldroad mill. The photos have been restored by Western Mining History.
The Black Hills Gold Rush was one of the most significant historical events in the western United States. This collection of over 50 images captures the early history of this famous gold region.
This collection contains some of the best colorized photos of historic western mining scenes. Included are mines, miners, historic mining towns, and related scenes.
Cripple Creek “The World’s Greatest Gold Camp”
“So thickly were the hillsides and gulches studded with homes, than one can easily say that the Cripple Creek district is one great city, covering thirty-six square miles.” Cripple Creek – “The World’s Greatest Gold Camp” uses selected text from a 1903 special edition of the Cripple Creek Times, and over 50 images from various sources to illustrate the importance and magnitude of Cripple Creek during the district’s peak years.
Gold is Oregon’s primary mined commodity, and the gold mining industry thrived in the state for many decades. This is a collection of noteworthy mining photos from the state.
The Gould & Curry Mill of Virginia City
“The extraordinary mill of the Gould & Curry Company was, however, the most conspicuous monument of inexperience and extravagance ever erected in a mining district.”
Saga of the War Eagle Mines
While Silver City and the Owyhee mines entered a new phase by the 1880s, the turbulent events of the 1860s were never forgotten. Aptly named War Eagle Mountain will always be remembered as one of the most contested, and bloodiest, mining locations in the West.
Alderman Joy of Leadville
While looking for articles on Doc Holliday I stumbled on a story of a vicious attack on E. D. Cowen, a popular newspaper editor in Leadville. The perpetrator was a man known as Alderman Joy (Charles C. Joy), and the beating he gave Cowen in September 1882 left the man on the brink of death. This article uses historical newspaper articles to paint a picture of who Alderman Joy was – a violent man that was feared by many for nearly two decades.
