We visited some mines in the Colorado Mountains. Some were old mines of the early 1800 and some where working ones today. The old saying " There's gold in them hills" seem to go through my mind as I took pictures and pondered on the life back then.
The first mine we visited was the Stratton's Independence Mine, the Gold mine. They mined 1,350,000 troy ounce in gold or about 28,000,000 dollars in gold in their time.You can click to enlarge the photo to read more. some of the mine equipment was still intact.
This is the old sorter used to separate the big rocks from little ones. it is one of the original tools.This is Hubby and Friend, they are taking a closer look at the sorter.
This is the American Eagles Mine. Built in the 1800's mainly for mining Ore. The mine is part of Cripple Creek Mining project sitting at 10,750 feet above sea level. The American Eagles Mine had 3 shafts underground being at 1540 feet below ground by 1902. In that time it was the Deepest Shaft. Ore was struck in abundant in 1936 and the Ore sold for 7 dollars per pound. To learn more click in photo to enlarge.
The mines' old site.
My Daughter is standing next to the wheel the drives the pully system. Just to show how large the wheels are.
The American Eagles Mine is still a working Ore Mine today. Here is a photo of the work going on now.
Wow, that looks like fun! I have two nieces who live in Denver. Some day I'll get the chance to visit, but for now, pictures of the west will have to suffice. Glad you had a good time.
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