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Mining

Mining and the discovery of gold in Idaho led to the first major settlements in the state in the 1860s. While gold mines were located throughout the state, especially in central Idaho, silver mines were concentrated in the north.  Resources on mining in Idaho can be found in our archives in county and mining district records, and in interviews, photos, books, and individual mining company records.

Miners Adelman (with wheelbarrow) and Jackson (with pick) at a mine near Idaho City.   ISHS PhotoL 73-59.2

Mining in Oral History: The Oral History Center has several projects related to mining throughout the state of Idaho. In 1980-1981, Patrick McCarthy interviewed 20 residents of Idaho County in the north central part of the state about their experiences with mining in that area duirng the first half of the twentieth century. These interviews can be found at OH440-OH460. In 1981, Kris Major completed interviews with miners and other employees at the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge.  These narrators discussed their experiences at Yankee Fork during the 1940s-1950s as well as experiences working at other mines throughout the state.  The interviews can be found at OH819-OH830.

 

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LogoIdaho State Historical Society
2205 Old Penitentiary Road Boise, Idaho 83712
Boise, Idaho 83712
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