Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

In Leadville, I was introduced to mines. The Matchless Mine is one of several mines I visited. There are many I have yet to visit. It was a hard life for the early miners. Mining progressed over the years. Mining activitiy was up and down over many, many years. It wasn’t just a onetime run. There are several mines in operation today. I think they are all open pit mines. I really enjoy this kind of stuff. If you ever get a chance to visit one, you may get hooked. Pat

#1-Shaft #6 Head Frame

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#2

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#3 Steam powered hoist. Just like a locomotive with a reverse bar and steam valve.

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#4

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#5

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#6

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#7 Showing what the mine looked like underground.

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#8

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#9 Baby Does Cabin in her final years.

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#10 Last image is the intro and history. I hope it is readable.

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Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Very nice photos, I love the area.
Did you take a look at the beautiful Victorians in the town itself?

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

Interesting subjects, interesting town. I think most of the mines in that area, are of the shaft/stope underground mine type. There is an interesting mineral museum in Leadville also. I found several(?) photogenic places of interest in that area, years ago. Examples: Climax, Buena Vista/Cottonwood Pass, Salida...

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Yes that whole area is incredible.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Great pics. I don't think "open pit" mines have head frames. Open pits are exactly that, large open pits in the ground and they usually have a ramp leading to the bottom to allow wagons or trucks access for hauling the tailings out. Head Frames are usually found at the top of Mine Shafts on shaft type mines. Most of the significant mining in Colorado in the 1800's was shaft mining. Leadville, Idaho Springs, and others are examples of this. The Rocky Mountains (and surrounding hills) were, typically too rough and tight for open pit mining. And, typically, the mines in that area were dug by dynamite, shovels, and pickaxes which covered too small an area for open pit. Typically, the open pits were large pits dug by steam shovels, tractors and dump trucks/wagons. (Note: I'm not throwing rocks at you but just trying to explain my position). I have studied and modeled (in HO gauge) the Idaho Springs area and visited most of the sites from there, Durango & Silverton, Georgetown Loop, Cumbres and Toltec, etc. Including the mining areas of New Mexico. Typically, if an open pit mine had a "head frame" it was to lift heavy loads onto wagons or train cars. However, those were typically, called derricks, gin poles and had winches to lift the loads from the base to the mode of transport. In mining areas, these were typically found on the rail spur or where wagons or trucks were loaded.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I visited Leadville in 2012, but did not tour the mine. I think it was closed the day I was there. I did visit the Mining Museum and ride the train, though.

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Another fine informative set!

angler Loc: StHelens England

Excellent and interesting set Pat.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

I have been associated with the mining industry through almost all of my professional career and I think many folks don't understand the importance of minerals in our society. There is a saying that puts mining into perspective. "If it can't be grown, its mined." There is obviously a lot of stuff we use that is not grown. Just take a look around your house. Take concrete for example. There is only one thing in our society that is used more than concrete, that's water.

granbob Loc: SW Wisc; E Iowa; W Illinois

Nice job Pat, on both the pictures and history lesson. Glad you included the bulletin board shots.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Jay Pat, the photos really are great. I wasn't trying to be critical on the Head Frame vs open pit but was trying to be helpful in sharing MY understanding of mine construction. I love the Colorado Rocky Mountains and their contribution, not only to mining but to advancing the railroad construction techniques required for such a tough climate, from the arid areas of New Mexico to the heavy snow and drifts with steep inclines in the mountains. That area significantly enhanced the ingenuity of railroaders to "solve" problems from the "Galloping Goose" to the rotary snow blowers and snow plows. Speaking of which, one of the narrow gauge railroads in that area used to run (I can't seem to find the link anymore) a ride (and photo ops) on a steam powered rotary snowblower making the first spring run up the rail line each year. There is (or was) a waiting list to get the trip every spring so if you want to go and can find it, the trip should provide some great shots.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Thank you!!!!
Yes, I did. I took a few images of the downtown buildings.
Pat

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Thank you!
I did visit a couple of museums.
I have not visited those towns, mentioned.
The wife and I are going back next summer.
Colorado, may be a common place for us in the summer.
Pat

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

There is a lot to do for several days!!
Pat

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Thank you, Bob!!!
Pat