Deep in the heart of Idaho an abandoned mine shaft echoes the sound of the bending river as water trips and turns over jagged rocks and worn pebbles; a reminder of the state’s rich mining past. Massive mountains, deep river valleys, and vast wilderness terrain all served as the backdrop in the tale of Idaho’s formative years.

In the late 19th century the pursuit of quick wealth led droves of people, mostly men, west. Weary farmers and savvy businessmen alike had to overcome enormously high stakes and usually obtained low returns in their stint as miners. In Idaho, the path to prosperity was wrought with wealth and bankruptcy, power and violence, prestige and corruption. Idaho’s rich mining history helped legitimize the region as a hub, and proved to be the catalyst for statehood.