Old Abandoned Mines In History

By | November 16, 2019

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Old Abandoned Glory Hole Gold Mine. Source: (pinterest.com)

Old abandoned mines from the past can be intriguing and interesting. They have an air of mystery to them with shadows of the people who once occupied them. Gold miners who would work the mines to try to make their fortunes is a perfect example. Copper mines and silver mines were also a big part of the mining industry. Of course, there were the coal mines as well, but coal mining was a way of making a living and not a way of becoming wealthy. Coal mining caused health risks to the miners because of breathing in the coal dust. A lot of coal miners lost their lives inside of the mines or later from health hazards.  

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Inside of Abandoned Mine Near Spruce Mountain, Nevada. Source: (Wikimedia)

This is just one of the mines that were active beginning in 1869 and ending around 1952. It started when lead-silver ore was discovered. In just a few months, nearly 100 miners had flocked to the area and started producing new mines. The result was three new mining districts with one of them being Spruce Mountain. The most productive year for Spruce Mountain was 1945 with over $300,000 worth of ore. By 1961, it had slowed down to a complete halt and the area became a ghost town. Now it is a place for tourists to come visit.