The Evolution of Idaho Springs

Gold strike date: January 7, 1859

FUN FACT: The Argo Gold Mill supplied much of the gold for the Denver mint.

In December 1858, George Jackson and some friends set out from present-day Golden on a hunting trip. On January 7, 1859, he was camped on a sandbar at the confluence of what is now Chicago Creek and Clear Creek with his trusty dogs, Kit and Drum. He was able to pan about $9 worth of gold. He knew he had found a good spot and headed back to Golden, determined to keep his find a secret until he could assemble the necessary men and equipment to work the claim properly.

Jackson and his party returned in April 1859 and brought out $1,900 worth of gold in the first week. By June 1859 there were 400 people in the settlement and the Jackson Mining District was formed, the first in the Territory.

Idaho Springs remained the center of the regional mining district throughout the late - 19th century. When non-essential mining was banned during World War II, most of the area mines were forced to close. The boom was over, but Idaho Springs continues as the county's primary center of business and residence.

http://www.150goldrush.org/
http://www.historicidahosprings.com/