Historic Mining Maps

One of the driving motivations of the U.S. settlement of the Rocky Mountains was mining. The gold, silver and other minerals attracted fortune seekers from around the world. Beginning in the late 1850s, prospectors flocked to Colorado. As government organizations helped settle the lawlessness of the mining district, the need to accurately determine who had the rights to particular plots of land became necessary. At first, maps played an integral part of resolving who owned what. Later maps were used by people and companies to flaunt their claims and potential for resources and riches. Also, maps showed safety and workings features of mines. All along, maps inadvertently painted a picture of mining’s booms and busts, noted prospectors’ names, and showed the development of many of Colorado’s famous mountain towns. Today, historians use mining map for all those things previously listed, but also as ways to reconstruct timelines and add background to biographies. On top of that, some of the original maps are works of art. This talk, led by Christopher J.J. Thirty from the Colorado School of Mines, will feature the rich collection of Colorado’s historical mining maps at the college’s Arthur Lakes Library.

This free presentation will take place in multiple locations, and you are invited to join the one that makes sense for you.

Monday, September 11 at 6:30 pm, Glenwood Springs Branch Library

Tuesday, September 12 at 6 pm, Silt Branch Library

Wednesday, September 13 at 6 pm, New Castle Branch Library

 

  

Wednesday, September 13
6:00 pm

LIBRARY: