The older I get, the more heartbroken I find myself every time Cindy and I visit a ghost town, mining camp or other historical destination that we've enjoyed for years, only to find it shot up, vandalized or worse, burned to the ground. Unfortunately, more and more, this is becoming the norm - not the exception. But, as luck would have it, there are still a few places that are, for the most part, still intact and visiting them is like taking a walk back in time. The following few pics are from a trip we took last summer to visit one such place and we hope you enjoy.
Back in the late 1860's, silver-lead ores were discovered in this mountain range and by 1875, a 30-ton smelter was built and operated here but it only operated for about 4 years before being shut down.
While all mining ceased by 1880, interest was renewed in the early 1900's and between 1907 and 1908, ore was hauled down to a 10-stamp mill about 4 miles away.
Interest in the mine continued on and off well into the 1960 and maybe even longer. In fact, from what I understand, the claim is actually still active and I've even seen it for sale at one point and time. Because of this, there's a wonderful juxtaposition between newer technology being nailed right up to some really old structures.
Here's a shot from the top of the mill and looking up toward the main mine.
As you can see, the headframe, hoppers, motors and equipment strewn across the area is more modern in nature but in an early 20th century kind of way.
Shot looking inside the hoist house.
A few more shots of the mill.
Back in the late 1860's, silver-lead ores were discovered in this mountain range and by 1875, a 30-ton smelter was built and operated here but it only operated for about 4 years before being shut down.
While all mining ceased by 1880, interest was renewed in the early 1900's and between 1907 and 1908, ore was hauled down to a 10-stamp mill about 4 miles away.
Interest in the mine continued on and off well into the 1960 and maybe even longer. In fact, from what I understand, the claim is actually still active and I've even seen it for sale at one point and time. Because of this, there's a wonderful juxtaposition between newer technology being nailed right up to some really old structures.
Here's a shot from the top of the mill and looking up toward the main mine.
As you can see, the headframe, hoppers, motors and equipment strewn across the area is more modern in nature but in an early 20th century kind of way.
Shot looking inside the hoist house.
A few more shots of the mill.
