Wild Descent In Magnificent 1800s Silver Mine
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Published 2024-01-10
Something I wanted to expand on as I fear that I did not explain it well or that it was unclear in the video… What we saw at this abandoned mine were multiple generations of work. Do you recall near the very beginning of the video when I made the observation about the drill mark? As we learned, that work was from the 1920s and that short little loop was made during that time to bypass the caved portal dating back to the 1800s.
Given the size/shape of the workings and the artifacts that were present, it seems that the shaft and the workings we roped down were mostly from the 1800s. However, work was obviously done to expand these underground workings in the 1920s/1930s as evidenced by the air lines running up into the stopes past where the ore car was (plus the date on the dynamite box helps considerably).
The adit that intercepted the shaft at the bottom was likely run in the 1920s as well given the size and purpose of it. Also, for example, the air lines were running UP to the stope with the ore car and not down from above. Then, obviously, some exploratory work was done – likely in the 1960s, 70s or 80s – as evidenced by the plastic piping and the ribbons (possibly for surveying, possibly for sampling, possibly for core drilling – there wasn’t enough left to be able to say for sure). I would be very curious to know if the miners from that project made it past the large caved section in the talc that blocked us or not. They may have encountered that section and just have given up at that point. However, if they made it past that zone, they would have gotten into some very extensive workings and might have seen some very cool stuff. I also wonder if it was the latest miners that dumped that talc into the old stopes or if the older generations of miners did that?
I don’t know if the miners intentionally caved the adit on the bottom level or whether that happened naturally. Regardless, it is very caved now… We actually passed it earlier in the day on the way up to where we eventually gained access to the mine. I never thought that we would be standing and looking at the other side of that collapse though!
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You can see the full TVR Exploring playlist of abandoned mines here: goo.gl/TEKq9L
You can see the gear that I use for mine exploring here: bit.ly/2wqcBDD and here: bit.ly/2p6Jip6
Several kind viewers have asked about donating to help cover some of the many expenses associated with exploring these abandoned mines. Inspired by their generosity, I set up a Patreon account. So, if anyone would care to chip in, I’m under TVR Exploring on Patreon.
Thanks for watching!
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Growing up in California’s “Gold Rush Country” made it easy to take all of the history around us for granted. However, abandoned mine sites have a lot working against them – nature, vandals, scrappers and various government agencies… The old prospectors and miners that used to roam our lonely mountains and toil away deep underground are disappearing quickly as well.
These losses finally caught our attention and we felt compelled to make an effort to document as many of the ghost towns and abandoned mines that we could before that colorful niche of our history is gone forever.
I hope you’ll join us on these adventures!
#ExploringAbandonedMines
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All Comments (21)
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Wow, what a find! I don't know how you guys so consistently find such good mines! You are blowing all the mine exploring channels out of the water!
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On the newspaper it says Clara Morris. She lived from (1846-9 – November 20, 1925) and was a Canadian/American stage actress of the Victorian Era. She wrote that she had an encounter with Mark Twain. Morris said that the person who was intended to introduce her onstage had missed their train and couldn't attend the performance. Twain offered to introduce Morris instead, and the two walked to the stage, arm in arm. "Thus we made our entrance upon the stage," Morris wrote. "The applause was hearty and prolonged. I thought it was for him, and made no acknowledgment -- he thought it was for me and waited unresponsive. We looked reproachfully at each other -- then we both bowed. The audience understood and laughed happily." Interesting what you find in a mine.
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Here’s a tip for trying to read inscriptions in the walls or in this case the bucket with writing. Hold your light from the side to cast a shadow on said writing. This is called raking light and it will help tremendously with reading such things. Hope this helps in the future.
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That bit of newsprint at the beginning blew my mind. Was not expecting that at all. Easily the oldest scrap I've ever seen, hell, heard of! Super cool. Oldest I've found was from the late 1890s.
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Ive used those same airleg/jack leg drills, drilling underwater course I had lights, thermal pro, and top side support. I cannot imagine how these old miners toiled in near darkness for 8-12 hours a day its just mind blowing how hard these folks worked!
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TVR Exploring always takes me along for a good time! The best.
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Impressive find! thanks for taking us along to places that most of us will never be able to see :)
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I've made maple taffy with a similar receipe in the past. Good finds. The "water drip" and "hard ball" are candy making terms for testing the consistency of the mix as you cook the water out of the syrup. Think of boiling down maple sap into syrup and then keep cooking into maple sugar, etc.
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Every time I see a TVR Exploring notification hit my screen I stop immediately to check out your video. It never disappoints. Thanks for another awesome video!
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In 1000 years from now, university scholars will watch 3D renders of your videos and marvel at the ancient practice of mining. That's if we haven't blown ourselves and the planet to hell.
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Still the best part of my Wednesdays. Loving the longer videos too.
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My dad started to work in the mines at Park City after he got out of the army in 1919 and he worked there until he passed away in 1956
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20:00- I believe that is a catsup bottle. 27:11- If I remember right, that is part of a jack leg drill. Part of the clamping assy. for the drill bit. 33:40- I believe that is a chemical bottle, or it could be a patent medicine. I have an almost identical bottle labeled nitric acid. (Could they have been using nitro there?) 35:15- Yes vinegar was used in food. I have the receipe for taffy that uses vinegar. Pretty tasty. My mother & I used to make it when I was a small child. It would be interesting to know what that white material is, if it is talc or something else.
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Man, I'm gonna end up leaving a handful of comments on this one, sorry. I Should've just waited til the video was through, lol. The wooden ore buckets/skips?! Have never encountered those before, anywhere. I'm rather sure Graham is correct on those being 19th century. Incredible.
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That is some of the best preserved wood I've ever seen in a mine. I'm amazed at the good condition of those dynamite boxes, stolls, and ladders. I'm glad you were able to document all of this stuff. Great finds Talc is nasty stuff. I'm not sure what types of mines are more prone to collapse: Placer mines, or Talc mines. I've seen plenty of placer mines in your videos, and on a few other mine explorers, I've seen evidence of dry-looking timbers just snapped like kindling in talc-heavy mines.
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You guys found the mother lode of intact dynamite boxes! The bit of newspaper from 1887 is pretty amazing too.
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Great explore of this mine Justin & friends! I look forward to your video every week ! Stay safe my friends!
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Incredible to see that near intact wooden kibble at 8:20. In the UK you'd just find some rusty bands & the handle lying in the mud!
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17:28 Brings out some relief. 1st line: "AllCut's Packing Co." (They are mentioned in old newpapers from the late 1880s.) Last line: "Kansas City, MO.", The middle line says "---CERPINES" (or similar) "FAMILY LARD"
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Omigosh Justin! You guys are knocking it out of the park with your explores lately! Thank you for all your posts! At my age I will never do anything close to this, but I would have so been on board back when I was able.
