From the first days that gold was discovered Out West, the miners that panned for gold had varying degrees of success. Most came back poorer than when they set out and a fair number ended up working for larger companies, mining for a pittance of what they would make on their own. But, such were the breaks when it came to gold mining back then. The photos below are from over a 50 year period and show the mining operations in various states, from gold panning to weighing out the gold.
The abandoned Stempede Gold Mine in Kantishna, Alaska. Via/ Library of Congress
Miner washing gold in Alaska in the gold rush of the early 1900s. Via/ Library of Congress
Panning for gold at claim #3, Miller Creek, probably in Idaho. Via/ Library of Congress
Bullion Mine, Nevada in 1866. Larger operations needed hoisting equipment. Via/ Library of Congress
Gold flake ore in pan, Alaska, 1916. Via/ Library of Congress
From the small time miner to the large companies, the mining towns of yore are mostly long gone, though there are still a few places one can pan for gold as a tourist these days. From the sluicing ramps to the guarded wagons full of gold, these images capture a time lost to the decades.
Weighing the gold, 1902. Via/ Library of Congress
From original caption: “Gold mined in one day.” Alaska, 1915. Via/ Library of Congress
Guarded wagon carrying gold to the bank from the Deadwood mines, South Dakota, 1890. Via/ Library of Congress
3 gold miners at work, 1898. Via/ Library of Congress
Gold miner in 1916, Alaska. Via/ Library of Congress
