The Gold Rush that changed America
At the time of the great California gold strike in 1849, there was an expression in common use, meaning the ultimate thrill, the symbol of exotic achievement. And it all came from travelling circuses,...
View ArticleProspecting basics
When Howard Carter broke through the wall of King Tut’s tomb in 1923, he saw “wonderful things”, which would prove that man had been chasing the glitter of gold for thousands of years. It’s not quite...
View ArticleGold Mining Disasters
When the gold mining industry was in its infancy in America, there were few disasters. The majority of finds being placer deposits, on the surface or in shallow streams which were panned, the dangers...
View ArticleGold Mining Methods
Many techniques and technologies for getting gold out of wherever it’s found, have evolved since the first goldrush. The amateur prospector can still enjoy a great deal of fun by panning, crevicing and...
View ArticleGold Fever is born
When the subject of gold rushes comes up, the first words to mind are often “49ers” or “Klondike”. Yet the first gold discovery resulting in a gold rush, took place some 50 years before the 1849...
View ArticleGrubbing for Gold
Getting gold out of them thar’ hills is a little more challenging than it was for the first 49ers. America’s first gold strikes were primarily “placer gold”, literally gold left lying in stream beds...
View ArticleWhy hunt for gold?
You’re probably asking yourself, “Why would anybody waste their time hunting for gold? After all, the old-timers got it all long ago, didn’t they?” The answer to that is a resounding “Absolutely Not!”...
View ArticleEfficient Prospecting
If you’ve ever yearned to mine some buried treasure, you need to learn about the concept of dredging. It’s considered the most effective method of recreational prospecting and it’s gaining in...
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