Idaho Goldmines
History of Idaho Gold Mines and Gold Mining
Gold mining in Idaho began with the discovery of gold in Pierce in 1860, sparking a rush that drew miners from all over the region. Some of the first men to start mining were prospectors and miners who traveled to the area following rumors and early discoveries. The early mining operations were largely controlled by individual miners and small partnerships before larger corporations began to consolidate control as the industry grew.
The first major strike was in the Boise Basin in 1862, which became one of the richest gold-producing regions in the United States. Towns like Idaho City, Placerville, Centerville, and Pioneerville sprang up almost overnight, attracting thousands of miners. Other discoveries soon followed in the Owyhee Mountains around Silver City, and in the Cœur d’Alene District, which later became famous for silver but also had significant gold production.
Gold mining shaped much of Idaho’s early settlement and economy. Boomtowns rose quickly, often larger than Portland or Seattle at the time, and then declined just as fast once the richest deposits were worked out. Many of these towns have since faded into ghost towns and ruins that can still be visited today.
Idaho Gold Ghost Towns and Old Mining Camps
- Idaho City – Once the largest town in the Northwest during the 1860s gold boom, with many preserved historic buildings.
- Mullan – The nearby Lucky Friday mine is an underground silver, gold, lead, and zinc mine, near Mullan. Operated by Hecla Mining company, it is one of the few mines remaining operational in the Silver Valley of northern Idaho.
- Silver City (Owyhee County) – One of the best-preserved ghost towns in the West, with hotels, saloons, and a church still standing.
- Placerville – Historic cemetery, cabins, and relics from the Boise Basin boom.
- Rocky Bar – Founded in 1863 and nearly destroyed by fire in 1892; ruins and mining equipment remain.
- Warren (near McCall) – Early gold mining town with some residents still living there today.
- Pierce – Site of Idaho’s first gold discovery, with old buildings and mining relics still visible.
- Atlanta – Remote ghost town on the Middle Fork of the Boise River, full of historic mining ruins.
Today, visitors can explore cemeteries, collapsed mine shafts (dangerous and best avoided), stamping mills, cabins, and museums that preserve the story of Idaho’s mining era. The Boise Basin Museum in Idaho City and interpretive signs throughout the region help bring this golden history to life.
Most Productive Areas in Idaho
Some of the most productive mining areas in Idaho include:• Clearwater Region: Where the first gold was discovered near Pierce.
• Boise Basin: Known for its rich placer deposits and hydraulic mining operations.
• Silver Valley: Although primarily known for silver, this area also had significant gold production.
• Idaho City and Rocky Bar: Major centers during the gold rush era.
Major Mines and Types of Gold Found
Major mines in Idaho include:• Thunder Mountain Mines: Known for high-grade gold ore.
• Atlanta Mines: Produced both gold and silver.
• Gold Hill Mine: A notable producer in the Boise Basin.
Gold in Idaho is typically found in placer deposits (flakes and nuggets) and occasionally in lode deposits (embedded within rock formations).
Successful Types of Gold Mining in Idaho
Successful mining methods in Idaho have included: • Placer Mining: Early method involving panning, sluicing, rocker boxes, and dredging.• Hydraulic Mining: High-pressure water jets to dislodge material.
• Lode Mining: Deep shafts and tunnels to extract ore from rock formations.
• Cyanide Process: Used in modern times to extract gold from low-grade ores.
Famous Gold Strikes and Veins
Some of the most famous gold strikes in Idaho include those in the Boise Basin and the Thunder Mountain area, which yielded significant quantities of gold during their peak production periods.Cities Built Around Gold Mining
Cities such as Idaho City, Placerville, and Silver City were established and grew rapidly due to gold mining activity in the region.Marketing and Economic Impact
Gold mined in Idaho is sold through various channels, often ending up in refineries and ultimately as investment-grade bullion or in jewelry and industrial applications.Modern Gold Mining in Idaho
Today, gold mining in Idaho is still active, with several mines operating primarily in the Silver Valley and Boise Basin areas. Miners can earn competitive wages, and conditions are regulated to ensure safety and environmental protection.Environmental Costs and Closure of Mines
Gold mining in Idaho has had environmental impacts, particularly due to historic mining practices such as hydraulic mining and the use of mercury and cyanide. Some mines have closed due to economic factors or environmental regulations.Recreational Gold Mining
Recreational gold mining is popular in Idaho, requiring permits depending on the scale of operations. Equipment commonly used includes pans, sluices, and suction dredges for larger-scale hobby mining.Gold Coins Minted in Idaho
Idaho has not minted its own gold coins historically; however, gold from Idaho mines has contributed to national and international minting operations.This comprehensive overview covers the main aspects of Idaho's gold mining history, its impact, and its current status both industrially and recreationally.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, Major mineral deposits of the world, Open-File Report 2005-1294. Data portal