The Rocky Mountains that run through the center of Colorado hold immense mineral wealth. Most of the largest gold and silver strikes here were made well after other gold rushes in the West, but don’t be mistaken… they rivaled just about any other discovery made. Aspen is one town that was formed due to the […]
gold in Colorado
Discovery of a Lifetime – A Record-Breaking Silver Nugget Found!
Silver was discovered in Colorado in the 1860s, and the first mining was performed in Clear Creek Canyon at Georgetown during 1864. However, the price of the metal was not high enough to attract serious exploration until the United States Congress passed the Bland-Allison Act in 1878. This legislation authorized the free coinage of silver. […]
8 Ghost Towns in Colorado with Abandoned Gold & Silver Mines
Although there is no official record, it is said that over 600 ghost towns remain in the state of Colorado. What were the causes of death of the communities that held so much promise? Reasons include closed mines due to depopulation of rural towns, the demise of much of the coal industry, and drop in […]
The Rich Gold Mines of Central City, Colorado
Central City has a rich gold mining history having been established in 1859 under the name the “Richest Square Mile on Earth,” a testament to the richness of the surrounding area. Today, Central City is surrounded by remnants of many of the most iconic gold mines in Colorado. It is located in the Rocky Mountains […]
Mine Tours & Gold Panning in Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge boasts a rich gold mining history that dates back to the early days of the gold rush in the United States. Located strategically on the base of Tenmile Range near the Blue River and Lake Dillon, the town is a major attraction to many Americans who come visiting during the summer to explore the […]
Gold, Silver, and Lead Mines of Leadville, Colorado
The Leadville is a historical silver mining city in Colorado. It is currently the county seat of Lake County in Colorado. Geographically the city lies at an elevation of about 10, 152 feet making it the second highest incorporated city in the United States. The city is situated on the Arkansas River in the Rocky […]
Cripple Creek Mining District in Colorado
The former mining town of Cripple Creek grew out of nowhere when lode gold deposits were found. Named the Independence Lode, it became one of Colorado’s richest gold strikes, and also the last major gold rush to Colorado. About 100 years ago, prospective miners flocked in the area in search of gold and silver. Gold […]
Colorado Gold Prospecting Locations
The Gold Rush to Colorado As with nearly all of the gold rushes throughout the western United States, it was placer deposits that were the first indicators of gold in Colorado. The now famous Pike’s Peak Gold Rush has an interesting history, because gold was actually discovered in this part of Colorado almost a decade […]