On May 6, 1859, John H. Gregory followed Clear Creek upstream, looking for gold. As he pulled a low tree branch out of the way and began to pan the creek, he discovered what was later called “The Gregory Lode.” Located in a gulch between what later became Central City and Black Hawk, he staked the first of many mining claims in the vicinity. Immediately prospectors flocked to the region, and within two months, the population grew to 10,000 people seeking their fortunes. The Clear Creek Mining District was so rich with ore it became known as the “Richest Square Mile on Earth.” A stone monument at the eastern end of Central City commemorates Gregory’s discovery.
The local residents joke you need a 4x4 to live there. In the Winter to get around and the Summer to find a parking place.
ReplyDeleteThat’s my stomping ground in my 93 YJ jeep. I’ve been to all those cemeteries. Go 4 wheelin for the day and then stop in Blackhack to grab a beer and bite to eat. Maybe throw a few bucks on the pass line before heading down the hill to Denver. Only question is do I take 6 or I-70 back? Damn traffic.
ReplyDeleteSpooky, mythical area. Lots of spirits floating around the vicinity.
ReplyDeleteWow, Just read this through. What an amazing place. I'm always amazed how the population increases from practically zero to 20,000 in 2 months. Had to read it twice. We have places like that here. Look up the Uno bridge collapse. http://mhs.mb.ca/docs/mb_history/74/unorailway.shtml
ReplyDeleteDamned near all mining towns were that way, and the same thing happens in reverse when the mines played out. A town would go from 10,000 to just a couple hundred or less within a year.
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