This Was Mining in the West

By David W. Pearson

Book Overview

In 1849, the Gold Rush was on A hundred and fifty years later, the era still captures the American imagination. This fantastic book goes into great detail about the real lives of the brave 49ers and those who followed them, facing unbelieveable hardships in the hopes to striking it rich-finding the Mother Lode. This book discusses the expansion of mining from gold to silver, and eventually to copper, in many of the Western states. Significant mines in California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizonia are all discussed, including their dates of operation and production records. The growth of railroads and transportation is explored, as is the evolution of mining technology. This books is a must for those interested in the realities of Gold Rush life, shown in over 225 period photographs. Mining stock certificates, currency, and newspapers from the day are also shown, along with antique mining tools-all with current values provided for collectors.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0887409334
• ISBN13: 9780887409332
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
• Length: 166 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.4" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

Like Walking Through a Mining Museum

This book takes you through hundreds of historical photographs, each accompanied with a brief description. The photos range from miners working in tunnels to overview photos of camps and towns.The information in the book is short and to the point. This is a wonderful resource to get the feel of what mining was like in the 19th century. There is also a section showing antique mining tools, certificates, and other pieces of paperwork that might interest collectors.The book touches on mining in many states. Included with each state section is a brief history on how mining came to be and how it changed life in the towns at each location.An incredible pictoral resource, the book doesn't go into huge volumes of detail regarding mining life, but David Pearson touches on all major aspects of mining in the Old West. The book is one of the best on this subject that I have found!