Among the silver seams of Colorado

Baacroft Librax>

Mrr)0r)0 • t^e • ^ilw]? • ©)e0:rr)s.

" This gradual and continuotis progress of the Fhiropean races towards the Rocky
Mountains, has the solemnity of a providential event. It is like a deluge of men rising
unahatedly, and daily driven onward by the hand of God." — De Tocqueville.

T^JARIETY in occupation is tlie only rest that an active, pushing man dare
\/ seek in these times of tremendous competition and marvelous industry.
Even his holiday must contribute to the dominant spirit of the times. His
incisive, but broad and masterly grasp on business affairs, marks all places as his
own. His journeys from home are enlivened with the anticipation of acquisi-
tion in the state to which he is come. He demands, not only renewed spirit and
strength, but profit as well : and he is a slow man indeed that, in these days, does
not look forward to a summer on his wheat farm in Kansas, his well-stocked
ranch on the plains, or with his profitable investments in the mines of Colorado.
He comes from the hot, dusty cities of the eastern and middle states to find in
the cool, dry, bracing air and clear sunlight of Colorado new life and strength,
and in her mines, her ranches, her coal fields, her quarries, all the elements of
substantial fortune that are to be had for putting out the hand and laying hold
on them.

Where the Public Domain has not merged into individual ownership,
the beneficient and liberal policy of the National Government spreads
before him miles upon miles of rich gold and silver veins, acre upon
acre of placer ground and gold washings, vast sections of coal, agricul-
tural and timber land, and large quarries of magnificent building stone,
*that only await the coming of a claimant to give their wealth into
his possession.

That the picture does not exceed the reality, and that no descrip-
tion can fairly describe the wonderful opportunities that the nat-
ural wealth of the State offers to all classes of people, is best
evidenced by the fact that those who come only to in-
vestigate or sojourn, stay to establish their homes and
fortunes.

This little work purports to give the facts and
=> figures concerning only one of the many

prosperous and successful cities of Colorado,
and to give only suoli facts of prog-
ress as will continue the vivid inter-
est always felt in the most
famous mining region of
the State.

Among the Silver Searfts of Colorado.

Georgetown.

QEORGETOWN, the "Silrer Queen" of Colorado, is situated fifty miles west
of Denver, at the head of the beautiful and picturesque Clear Creek Canon
in the centre of the Mineral Belt of the Rocky Mountains.

The trains over the Colorado Central, a mountain branch of the Union Pacific
Railway, leave the Union Depot at Denver every morning and afternoon and a
pleasant ride of an hour, over the most fertile and beautiful portion of the great,
gray plains, brings the traveler to the foot-hills and to the mouth of Clear Creek

Canon. For some
ten miles the road
follows the windings
of the Canon. At
the Forks of the
Creek it branches,
one line going to
Central City and the
other to the exhaust-
less silver veins of
Georgetown.

About three miles
below Idaho Springs,
the second city i n
the count\', the Can-
on broadens into a
wide and beautiful
valley, which, ac-
cording to Bayard
Taylor, is the only
portion of the Rocky
Mountains that, in

GEORGETOWN TEN YEARS AGO. . . l^„„„ „^

heauty, bears resem-
blance to the lovely vales that suddenly open to the traveler's view in the rug-
ged fastness of the Alps.

The mountains are less broken and smoother in outline; the rocky, precipi-
tous sides of the Canon give way to a broad expanse of valley and beautiful
wooded slopes of the higher mountains.

The land along the stream is rich in gold, and placer mining is carried on
with great profit and to a constantly increasing extent. After leaving Idaho
Springs, Fall River, Lawson, Dumont and Empire station follow quickly, with
scarce two mil^s between, each little town an entrepot for the supplies and

4 Among the SUver Seams of Colorado.

distribution point for the vast mineral seams that traverse, in great belts, the
mountains that tower so grandly above the towns.

At Empire station the steep sides of the "little giant," Douglas mountain, jut
out into the valley, turning it almost directly to the south ; Saxon, Columbia,
Griffith, Democrat and Kepublican mountains complete the chain and lift them-
selves thousands of feet above the beautiful spot in which Georgetown is built.

It seems strange to find in the very heart of the mountains a city of nearly
4,000 people — an active, busy, enterprising place, where the rumbling of mills,
the blasting of mines, as the long tunnels and deep shafts are driven into the
mountains, and all the elements of an upbuilding community disturb the quiet of
a land that scarce a score of years ago was known only to geography and to
dreams. But now it is 36 hours ride from Chicago, hardly 66 hours from
either seaboard, while its telegraph and telephone communications make it a fac-
tor and partaker in the general business and afiairs of the United States.

Built at an altitude of 8,500 feet, the ideal height that assures an equable and
unsurpassed climate the entire year ; with long, roomy, well-kept streets, lighted
with gas and supplied with water mains and hydrants ; with handsome resi-
dences, excellent hotels, unsurpassed mining and milling advantages, a large and
increasing general business and trade, the Silver Queen of the Rockies need not
fear comparison with more favored places of the older states.

But men do not subdue distant commercial territory and build cities without it
pays ; the profits of mining in Clear Creek county have been and are so large
and increasing that the world of business looks more and more to the wealth of
our mountains as the investment of the surest and largest returns — and in this is
the sufficient reason for the thrifty and wealthy cities of the mountains.

The Tributary Country.

to Y its position, Georgetown is the proper gateway to the country south of Ar-
J gentine Pass, into the towns of Montezuma, Decatur and Chihuahua ; over
Loveland Pass into the Blue River region, and over Berthoud Pass into the
wealthy ranches, stock farms and mineral resources of Middle Park.

Ease of Access.

7} LTHOUGH the name of the Rocky Mountains carries the idea of inaccessi-
© bility, yet, notwithstanding their great size, the points that cannot be reached
by trail or wagon road can be counted on the fingers. The Colorado Central rail-
road follows the water level of Clear Creek into the heart of the mountains, and
at the virtual head of the canon, where Georgetown is situated, every part of the
range is reached, not with undue exertion, but with comfort and pleasure.
Mines of exceeding richness in both srold and silver are found from the base of
the mountain to the pinnacle that extends above timber line — in fact, one of the
most valuable bodies of ore ever discovered in *be vicinity of Georgetown was

PEVIL's gate, (GEORGETOWN.

6 Among the Silver Seams of Colorado.

taken from a vein that formed the very apex or pinnacle of the celebrated Saxon
mountain, not a mile from the city streets, and to this mine heavy machinery has
been delivered without any serious difficulty.

The mountains are entirely free from precipitous gorges and canons. Their
broad slopes offer no difficulty to travel, and wagon roads of easy grades traverse
them in every direction. The winter time sees no stopping of the work, even in
prospecting. The snows that fall on the lower slopes are very transient, and the
open mines are worked with the same facility as in the summer time.

In this respect Georgetown has a tremendous advantage over the towns of the
San Juan and Gunnison country, where the working of the mines is hindered by
tremendous snowfalls, and are virtually inaccessible for months in the year.

The Mountains as a Health. Resort.

n^HE trying and uncertain climate of the Atlantic and Middle states adds its
1 heavy and enervating influence to the business worry and grind that is so de-
structive to the American temperament, but Colorado provides the remedy. The
sensations attending an entrance into the elevated regions are always pleasant.
The dry atmosphere, the warm, bright days, the cool nights, that are so efficient
in building up wasted strength, give a tone and vigor to the system that calls
every function into healthful action, so that one may fairly revel in the pleasure
of good health. Physical ailments find no encouragement in the bright sunshine
and up-building climate of the Rocky Mountains. The temperature of George-
town and its neighboring cities is remarkable for its evenness, there being less cold
weather in winter and warm in summer than any locality of less elevation. The
signal service reports gives the number of entirely clear days in a year at 163,
fair days 137, cloudy days 13, stormy days 52, with the amount of precipitation of
rain or melted snow at 15*51 inches.

Fissure or Vein Mining-.

r^LEAR CREEK COUNTY contains 450 square miles, or 288,000 acres of
ground that is practically devoted to mining tor gold and silver, of which area
two-thirds is tributary to Georgetown for a market and supply point.

All mineral deposits are superficial, or enclosed. The former include all
masses of metal found in surface material, washed into the canons from the
mountains above, which form the placer mines.

Enclosed deposits embrace lodes, seams and beds, and from these the precious
metals are taken in large paying quantities. By far the greatest quantity is
taken from the true fissure or vein mines, of which no workings, however deep or
extended, have yet been able to measure the extent and richness characteristic of
such mines. Gold and silver lodes are similar, but their location and geological
formations differ in that gold lodes have their existence principally in gneiss»
transition or conglomerate rocks, while silver is usually found in granite, trap,^
basalt, and other primitive formations. How these great fissures have been
formed and filled with mineral, all are not agreed, but that their riches are in-
creasing ^nd coexistent at great dep^is, not onl^ ^re ^11 agreed, but workings-

Among ike Silver Secam of Oolomdo.

ON THE ROAD TO BERTHOUD PASS.

with a depth of over 3600 feet prove the continuity of the same ore bodies that
outcrop on the surface of the mountain. The walls of the fissure vein are of the
"country rock," which are frequently worn quite smooth by the attrition of their
contents. When well defined, they have two good walls, the upper, or "hanging,"
and the lower, or "foot" wall. The greater portion of the silver and gold lodes
haye a northeasterly and southwesterly trend, varying from 5 to 60 degrees, and
from 5 to 200 feet in width. On the surface the mass is to some extent decom-
posed, and affected by the elements, but at a depth of 40 feet the mineral becomes
aggregated and condensed into a vein of greater richness. Usually there is but
one ore vein in a fissure, which follows one or the other wall, but there are fre-
quently two veins, one on each wall, and sometimes numerous seams distributed
throughout the crevice material, which experience has proved generally unites
as depth is gained, into one solid and distinct body of ore.
These are the charact«»ristics of the mines that surround G^eorgetown, and iu

B

Among the Silver Seams of Colorado,

practical value have already yielded $34,650,271 to the present time, as the
annexed table proves :

YEAR.

TOTAIi

popur.A-

PER

NO.

PER

GOLD,

PRODUCT.

TION.

CAPITA.

MINERS.

CAPITA.

SILVER.

1859 to 1864
inclusive.

$2,000,000

1,500

$1,333

1,000

$2,000

G.

1865 to 1868
inclusive.

182,823

1,000

141

700

365

S. and G.

1869

400,354

2,000

200

800

500

«

1870

481,354

2,500

192

1,500

320

(4

1871

869,046

3,000

287

1,500

579

U

1872

1,503,391

3,500

429

1,700

884

u

1873

1,259,761

3,500

357

1,700

741

ti

1874

2,203,947

4,000

550

2,000

1,101

(I

1875

1,928,161

4,000

482

2,000

964

t(

1876

1,982,544

4,500

440

2,000

991

u

1877

2,206,577

4,500

490

2,000

1,103

«

1878

2,261,105

5,000

465

2,000

1,130

u

1879

1,967,000

5,000

393

2,000

983

11

1880

2,994,728

7,000

427

2,500

1,198

li

1881

2,204,980

7,000

314

2,250

980

<i

1882

2,304,500

7,500

307

2,000

1,152

«

1883

2,400,000

7,500

320

2,000

1,200

u

1884

2,500,000

8,000

312

2,100

1,190

1885

r 3,000,000

8,000

375

2,200

1,363

((

Total to January 1, 1886, $34,650,271.

The table shows that the average yearly product, per miner, from 1859 to the
present, taking into account also the immense losses caused by crude, imperfect
reduction, is over $980 per year, and allowing 7,000 as the average population of
the county from 1859 to the present, it will be seen that every inhabitant has
added about $5,000 in actual money to the wealth of the community — an average
surpassed by no place in the world, with perhaps the single exception of Lead-
ville.

It will be noticed that the number of miners dropped from about 2,500 in 1880
to about 2,000 for the years following up to 1884. This was caused by the tre-
mendous rush to Leadville in its palmy days, as that most wonderful camp drew
largely, not only from every portion of the world, but from every city, town and
camp in Colorado.

Mills and Reduction Works.

n^HE establishment of immense smelting plants at Denver and Pueblo, together
1 with the favorable prices paid by these companies not only for gold and sil-
ver, but copper, lead and other metals found in the mines, has given the business
of smelting to the valley towns, but concentrating works, stamp mills, sampling
works and other preliminary processes are on the increase in Georgetown, to
treat the tremendous quantity of medium grade ores, that were mined years ago,
when it was impracticable and impossible to save the values that railroads and
improved treatment have added to them.

The Clear Creek or Corry City Mill is finely equipped, and has a concentrat-
ing eapadty of 40 tons per day.

UOUWr OF THS HOLY CB08S, SEEN FBOM ORAY^S PEAK.

10 Among the Silver Seams of Colorado.

The Stanton Engineering Company have converted the old Farwell Reduction
Works into a concentrating mill. The improved plant treats over 100 tons per
day.

The Florence Mill is a well-eq.uipped concentrator, working on custom ores.

The Terrible Mill is the property of the famous mine of the same name, and
works exclusively on the product of the Terrible group of mines.

The last named mills each have a capacity of over 30 tons per day.

The Stevens mill is also a concentrator, working on custom ore.

The Republican Mountain Consolidated Mining Company and the Colorado
Central Consolidated Mining Company have large mills in contemplation, to be
used for the treatment of the product of their mines.

With these works constantly in operation, Georgetown handles, by preliminary
treatment, a total of several hundred tons per day, and yet this great capacity
is hardly adequate to handle the great bodies of ores now mined and awaiting
treatment.

Ore Markets.

tN addition to mills and reduction works, the great number of sampling works
and ore markets form a virtual Board of Trade, where ore is sold by sample
to the highest bidders, just as wheat, corn and agricultural products are sold on
eastern Exchanges.

The . Boston & Colorado Smelting Works, the largest smelting plant in the
world, the Grant Smelter, both of Denver, the Golden Smelter, of Golden, the
Pueblo Smelting Company, of Pueblo, G. W. Hall & Co., the Public Ore Market
(Duncan & Wheeler) and Miners Sampling Works (Billings & Co.) are all estab-
lished agencies and active bidders for all ores brought into market.

Ore SMpments.

JUHE shipments of ore, in car-load lots, from Georgetown and Silver Plume
1 vary from 80 to 100 cars per month, the value of the mineral being from
1100,000 to $150,000.

Q-eorgetown as a Home.

N a foundation of inexhaustible mineral wealth, with its increasing assur-
ances of permanency, the people whose enterprise and industry has built
a city, built not only for the time, but as a place of continued and established res-
idence.

The bright sunshine, the pure atmosphere, the mountain breeze, the cool, dew-
less nights, render life in this portion of the Rockies a pleasurable and inspirit-
ing existence. During the winter the temperature is even less severe and more
equable than the winters of Denver, the city of the finest climate on the conti-
nent. The snow-fall is so light that sleighing and winter sports are almost un-
known, while the winter season by no means interferes with the mining industry.

The Public SctLools.

UR public school system is not excelled in efficiency and thoroughness. The
pride of schools is the great dominant feature of Colorado people, and every

Among the Silver Seams^of Oolerado. 11

town, it matters not how remote, is supplied with the very best of instruction, as
that is regarded as the essential element necessary to the peaceful and intelligent
growth of every community. The public school building of Georgetown is an
ornament to any city, while its equipment has been completed with only excel-
lence in view.

The Ctiiirclies. ;

fHE existence of a spirit that is not wholly commercial and devoted to money
getting, but pays a thorough respect to broader and more vital topics, is a
compliment to the worth of any people. The preponderance of the church-going
element is the best evidence of such a feeling. The First Presbyterian Church,
the Methodist Episcopal, Grace Church (Episcopal), St. Joseph's (Catholic) and
the Swedish (Lutheran), each owning a commodious and desirable place of wor-
ship and commanding large and influential congregations, are a tribute to the
moral and right living principles of our citizens. In addition, St. Joseph's
Church maintains a large parochial school, in buildings of its own, and a mag-
nificent hospital is the practical form that the charity of this church has taken.

The Water Supply.

n^HE Clear Creek Water Company brings its supply from Clear Lake. The
1 large supply pipe from the natural reservoir, with a fall of 270 feet, distrib-
utes the water through the miles of mains, with a pressure of from 50 to 120
pounds to the square inch. "Fire pressure" will discharge 306 gallons per min-
ute to each fire plug, where as many as six are used. The supply is ample for a
city of many thousands, while in quality Georgetown enjoys the best water of any
city in the state.

Gas Works.

n^HE Georgetown Gas Company has a plant with a capacity of 20,000 feet per
1 day, and have lately put in a new process for the manufacture of water gas,
at a large expense. The mains are distributed over the entire city, while the
public lamps are at such frequent intervals as to light the streets thoroughly.

Hotels.

ISITORS to a town are apt to measure it by the excellence of its hotel accom-
modations. In this respect the Barton House is first-class in all appoint- ,
ments, while the Hotel de Paris, Ennis House and City Hotel cater to a large \
and excellent class of trade.

Banking Institutions. - . i -^^

7] MONG the strongest institutions in Central Colorado are the Bank of Clear
© Creek County, C. R. Fish, president, and J. M. Copeland, cashier, and the |

Bank of Georgetown, J. F. Tucker, president, and Henry Seifried, cashier.
The immense amount of business transacted by each shows the esteem and confi -
dence of the community in them.

12 Among the Silver Seams of Colorado.

Newspapers.

r^ EORGETOWN supports two excellent weekly newspapers — the Courier,
established in 1877, issued every Thursday, and the Miner, established in
1867, issued every Saturday. Both of these papers raake a specialty of raining
news, and each employs competent men to edit this particular department. All
items of interest concerning new discoveries, mines coming into market as pro-
ducers, and the general condition of the mines, are made the distinguishing part
of each week's issue, while the editors are pleased ai all times to answer any com-
munications directed to them, concerning the town or the mines in its vicinity.

The Arbitrator is a recent weekly publication, devoted to the interests of labor,
which is meeting with a cordial and intelligent support.

At Silver Plume, but two miles distant from Georgetown, is the Silver Standard,
weekly, a wide-awake publication devoted to the interests of the town and sur-
rounding mines.

Green and Clear Lakes.

r7 AGING to the south, Leavenworth mountain seems to point thus far and no
further ; but a noisy, rushing stream invites you to the left, and around the
sharp point that Leavenworth and Alpine mountains have thrown over the way,
as though jealous of the beauties they still held unrevealed, opens a magnificent
roadway that leads to the summit of the range. Up, through the broad slopes
where the mountains join, now, close to the cliffs, and again, on the level ground,
bending and conforming to the way of the hills, the majesty of the nearing range
holds the view. But there are beauties that the impetuous, tell-tale stream is
trying loudly to proclaim, and impatient lest, on the way to the range, the lovely
lakes that give it birth should be passed over. It frets and foams and rushes by
the immense boulders that impede its way and break it into continuous cataracts
and cascades of sparkling water, too full and excessive not to be noticed, until
the road leads to the left. With sharp grades and quick turns, over the wooded
knoll, through an avenue of heavy pine trees, Green Lake spreads before you in
all its mystic beauty and soundless calm, secure in its height of ten thousand feet
over and above the stream of fret and worry of the work-a-day world — a picture
of exquisite loveliness, which words have no compass to describe, caught up and
held by the rugged majesty of the mountains, its beauty subdues and softens the
great heart of the Rockies, and gives a touch of tenderness and watchfulness to
the great peaks that guard its loveliness.

On the near shore stands comfortable and convenient houses, a good wharf well
supplied with boats, while its serene and untroubled depths give a home to thou-
sands of the mountain trout.

While the lake is clear and translucent, clearer than any simile of crystal can
express, the basin that holds it is green, the sand is green, the moss that clings
to the rocks or idly floats to the sport of the ripples, is green, and even the tiny
dro^s that fall from the feathering oar bear the same, inexplainable tinge that
has given this wondrous lake its name.

Just beyond the further shore of the lake is the Battle Ground of the Gods,

14 Among the Silver Yearns of Oolorado.

where great bowlders, cast down from the surroundins: peaks, lay as though
hurled by the wrath of warring powers.

Always beautiful, yet it is only in the declining hours of the day that Green
Lake gives a gleam of its spectral and wondrous depths. Then, through its clear
waters, is seen the buried forest, witn its stately trees turned to stone, still erect,
but the tall heads and branches that once bended pnly to the mountain breeze,
now lie in the depths of the lake in the unutterable stillness of the dead.

Only a few rods to the south, across the Battle Ground of the Gods, is Clear
Lake, the contrast and antithesis of Green Lake. Its icy cold waters, so white
and clear, give no suggestion of the marvelous play and change of color of its
neighbor on the north.

As was said, from Clear Lake comes the city supply of water. Lying just be-
low timber line, fed by the snows of the peaks on the range, it is a reservoir that
the greatest engineer could not better have conceived or located.

To Argentine Pass.

It is not easy to part from the lakes, but there is still another wonder. Behind
the great mountain to the west lays the road over Argentine Pass — the highest
traveled road in the world, over 13,000 feet above the waters of the sea.

At the foot of the canon, to the right of Green Lake, on the road ap-
proaching the range, is the famous Colorado Central mine, which has produced
$2,000,000. It has an underground development of over six miles in drifts, tun-
nels, shafts and all the wondrous ways of exploitation known to the practical
miner. On the outside is the tremendous mill building, filled with ponderous
machinery, driving the power drills that, hundreds upon hundreds of feet away
in the tunnels, are still opening new riches in this inexhaustible mountain of
treasure.

But here is merely the starting point for the upward climb. The road is up-
ward and upward until all height seems overcome, and the broadway of Argen-
tine Pass seepas to assure that ultimate distance has been conquered. In close
proximitj^ to the pass, in a region of almost perpetual snow, are the Johnson,
Independence, Mint, Bullion and other mines that have together produced hun-
dreds of thousands of dollars in precious metals. The straight descent of the
further slope leads down to the rich mines of Chihuahua, Montezuma, Decatur,
and the ffimoilS Horse Shoe Region, rendered memorable by the thrilling story
of "The Led Horse Claim." Still further on are the gold fields of Summit and
the inviting country that compasses the waters of the Blue.

But all height has not been accomplished. The kingdoms that make a world
are beneath the feet, but on the right is something still higher, grander, greater —
as near 15,000 feet towers Gray's Peak, the Continental Grown.

Back to Georgetown, and again disregarding the sentinel aspect of Leaven-
worth, the Union Pacific Railway, on the south boundary of the city, turns
sharply to the west, giving a view of Bridal Veil Falls, and then as quickly to
the south where -

Among the SUvei' Seams of Colorado. 15

The Famous Knot in a Railroad,

Depicted on the cover of this pamphlet, has proven that even the mountains of
Colorado hold no impossibles for brilliant, determined engineers. Passing above
west Clear Creek, with just a glimpse of the picturesque bridge that spans Devil's
Gate, the road runs under the great viaduct and rises and rises until you have
left the city hundreds of feet below and to the north, but, with a sudden turn, it
is again seen, with the train, this time, rushing toward the city and still climb-
ing; again a turn to the east; now down ninety feet below is the track just
passed ; away again on the further side of the mountain; again crossing to the
west side; suddenly turning east, until the "Big Fill," 76 feet high — too sharp a
curve for a bridge — has given another circle to the track ; then, with a turn to
the west, 'round the slope of McClellan mountain ; still another view of George-
town, with all the tracks in view, each seeming to have no relation to its neigh-
bor, until another valley in the mountains discloses the pretty village of Silver
Plume — Georgetown's liveliest neighbor and firmest friend. It is but two miles
distant in a direct line, yet four miles of railway is necessary to span the distance
at practical grades, which it does by going up, coming back on itself, tying a
knot and performing gyrations beside which a lamp post, seen through convivial
glasses, is a staid and sober creation.

But scarcely less wonderful than the turnings and twistings of the road is the
tramway that conveys the ores from the Pay Rock mine to the Florence Mill.
It seems to start right from the railroad, and one araaztd traveler, after passing
the loop, expected the train to be loaded upon the tramway and merrily lifted to
the top of the hill.

The Pay Rock is developed by over 10,000 feet of workings and has paid to
date over $750,000.

The immense altitude of 600 feet for only two miles distance, between Silver
Plume and Georgetown, lifts the train to another bench of the canon and thence
by easy grades Graymont, the terminus and outfitting point for Gray's Peak,
eight miles from Georgetown, is reached.

Gray's Peak.

n^HIS is the highest mountain, save Blanca, in the State. It is not rough and
1 chasmed, but is preserved in geological entirety, which make its masses
seem greater. The trail from Graymont is so plain and direct that it cannot be
missed ; it is carried backward and forward to the very crest, 14,441 feet above
the level of the sea, giving a view that locates every park in the state and follows
rivers from the source to the mouth. Only one such view is afforded, for Pike's
Peak and southern Blanca are the only points that "dare invade its supreme do-
main.

Developed Mines.

TN all directions from Georgetown lay mines of exceeding richness and large
production, but the few miles intervening between Georgetown, Silver Plume

and Bakerville have proven especially rich in gold and silver ores.
The Terrible, with its tremendous mill and machinery, with an output of

16 Among the SUver Seams of Cblorado.

$3,500,000; the Diamond Tunnel properties, with a product of $500,000 to their
credit, and the adjoining Baltimore properties with $800,000 as a return for the
faith in them ; the Seven-Thirty with its surface area of 100 acres and a record
of $1,000,000, with a monthly increase of $10,000 ; the Pelican-Dives with a pro-
duction of $4,000,000 to account for its immense development ; the Mendota,
opened by the Victoria tunnel, 1088 feet in length, with a product of $259,471.00
during the past six years ; the Stevens with $750,000 as an output, and each and
every one of these properties working large and increasing forces of men, adding
heavier machinery as depth demands, is a record on which Georgetown is proud
to place itself as one of the most successful mining towns in the United States.

The mentioned properties constitute only one group of the immense number
tributary to Georgetown. The great Freeland, on Trail Creek, has a credit of
$1,500,000, and in view of the city is the Magnet-Sequel $250,000, the Astor
Group $250,000, the Cliff $80,000, the Fred Eogers $300,000, the Griffith $200,-
000, the Benton $200,000, the Red Elephant $500,00C, and the Jo. Reynolds
$200,000. There are still scores of mines in this county producing monthly from
two to five, ten, twenty and even thirty thousand dollars, that to enumerate
would only cumulate the record.

Intelligent development and rightly directed capital have placed $35,000,000 to the
credit of Clear Creek County, to which is constantly being added over $2,000,000 per
year. Hundreds of undeveloped veins, acres of ground yet unbroken, with the advantage
of cheap reduction, low transportation, experienced labor and enlarged market and de-
mand, only await the intelligent investment of capital to bring about still greater results
from the inexhaustible riches of the silver mines tributary to Georgetovm.

Westward, TtLrough. Bertlioiid Pass.

T\ RGENTINE, the lakes, the tremendous mineral wealth, the famous Loop

and the sublimity of Gray's Peak have been reviewed, but the grand "country

tributary to Georgetown must yet be visited — over Berthoud Pass into the Park.

Leaving Georgetown and turning north, a well built road marks the way
over Union Pass that separates Douglas and Columbia mountains, leading into
the beautiful valley in which the cosy and thriving village of Empire, four miles
north of Georgetown, is situated. The hills to the north and east of Empire are
one mass of gold-bearing mineral. For years and years sluicing and placer min-
ing has been carried on with enormous profits, and as depth is gained it is found
that the free gold, in the overlying debris on the mountain sides, condenses and
aggregates into rich, gold-bearing lodes. The Pioneer, Tenth Legion and
Benton are among the extensively worked properties.

From Empire the route is due west along the water level of Clear Creek; on
either hand rise the tremendous mountains, covered from base to summit with a
thick growth of magnificent pine timber, with their mineral resources yet un-
touched, but in indication and promise offering unsurpassed opportunities to the
miner. The snowy peaks come nearer ; the road winds upward to the summit of
the continental range ; about midway a great bend, with a road branching to
the west, opens the way to Daily District, which, in so far as it has been ex-
plored, produces the richest ore in veins of almost incredible size and strength.

18 Among the Silver Seams of Colorado.

This is but one of the many regions that the miner, energetic as he is, has been
compelled to leave almost unvisited, simply for the reason that it is beyond the
power of any one community to explore, much less utilize the wealth of mineral
resources that is present on every hand. Before long it will come into prom-
inence, but to-day it is a section of untouched opportunities.

Bending now, almost to the east, but still upward and onward, the summit of
the range is reached ; the anticipated new country has become a reality ; to the
right hand is the grand dome of Flora Mountain ; to the north lie the massive
peaks of James and Long, while to the south and east are to be seen Mount Rosa-
lie, Evans, Irwin's and Gray's peaks, the largest of the entire range and all within
the boundaries of Clear Creek CoUnty. Here is the limit of the Atlantic country ;
its broad empire goes no further; the sharp, dividing line is almost visible ; the
Pacific country becomes dominant and under its protection the tiny stream that
comes from the snow bank on the pass, takes its course down the gentler western
slope, gathering in force and volume until, in the bed of the park, it assumes the
habitation and name of the Fraser — one of the well known rivers of the famous
park.

Middle Park.

KYTjIDDLE PAEK holds within itself the possibilities of a separate kingdom,
/ its area of 4000 square miles is girdled by the snowy range on the east
the north and south, while to the west it opens into the broad plains of the west-
ern tier of Colorado counties.

The surface is diversified with gently rolling hills with alternating stretches of
grass covered valleys. It is watered by the considerable streams of the Grand
and Fraser rivers, to which are tributary innumerable small brooks and creeks,
The Fraser has its rise in the range, and some twenty miles into the park joins
the Grand River, which rises to the north-east, in the grandest body of water in
Colorado — Grand Lake.

The hay and agricultural lands along the streams are rapidly preempted and
the grazing lands support thousands of beef and stock cattle.

The principle settlements are Grand Lake, the county seat, about fifty miles
northwest of Georgetown, on the shores of the Lake of that name. Twenty miles
to the south-west is Hot Sulphur Springs, which, as its name implies, is the loca-
tion of a number of springs, coming out from the foot of Mount Bross and falling
into a natural basin. The waters contain most valuable medicinal properties and
are a specific for many diseases.

H-antiiig- and FisMng- Grounds.

ON the wooded slopes along the Grand, Fraser, Blue and Troublesome rivers
5 is an abundance of game, while the streams are all filled with mountain trout
in endless variety, and the finest game fish in the world. In the heavy timber is
found bear and mountain lion. Elk are seen in herds of hundreds, while ante-
lope, deer and mountain sheep are brought by the wagon load to markets of the
mountain and valley towns.

As a fishing ground, the waters of the Park have no equal, and sportsmen who
delight in the rod and line go in great numbers every summer for a never-failing
supply of mountain trout.

Among the Silver Seams of Colorado.

19

A ROCKY MOUNTAIN NOOK.

Mineral Wealtli.

OOT only favored in climate, soil, grazing, agricultural and coal lands, as the
y basis of its future wealth. Middle Park is also rich in mineral deposits of
vast extent that only await the completion of the railroad to add their riches to
Colorado's increasing output. Besides the discovered veins and lodes of proved
value, the sands on the Willow Creek and other streams contiguous to the town
of Grand Lake, are particularly rich in gold, and each year are more and more
extensively worked.

The formation around Grand Lake is identical with that of the famous carbon-
ate district at Leadville. Experienced miners, backed by capital, are exploring
the deposits with encouraging results, which will add another vast district to the
wealth of Central Colorado.

20 Among the Silver Seams of Colorado.

Conclusion.

WHILE gaining a constantly increasing trade from the grazing and ranch
lands of Middle Park, the chief industry of Georgetown, and that upon
which it bases its claim to favorable notice and attention, is its unexcelled
mining wealth and opportunities for investment

Taking the ratio of success in other branches of trade throughout the country,
there is a less number of failures in Silver Mining than in any other biisiness;
while, if the same economy, practical energy and close attention that is paid to
other business, were paid to mining in detail, the ratio of success would be largely in
favor of legitimate gold and silver mining.

It is poor policy for a man living in the east to buy stock in any mine without
he knows the facts upon which to base his investment. Colorado has suffered
more from "investments afar-oiF" than any State in the Union. But a personal
investigation of the country, a personal visit to its cities and mines, a personal
knowledge of the district where monies are asked for investment, will convince
any investor that Colorado has solid and enduring claims to consideration.

Fair play is a principle in the "land of sunshine and silver." If "words of
inventive wit" have persuaded to unfortunate investments ; if too highly colored
prospectus have drawn unwarranted attention ; if the tremendous daily out-put
of certain mines has engendered a fever of unfruitful speculation, it must be
remembered that the gaudy bait for gudgeons was prepared by "mining experts"
from the east — as instance that certain editor who allowed a carbonate deposit, of
measurable capacity, to be capitalized into the millions ; or, that other theoret-
ical miner, whose brilliant report led to the sudden snuffing out of the fame of a
politician, once an accredited minister at the Court of St. James.

Theoretical miners have been able to see more in Colorado mines than the
most enthusiastic prospector 'would dare to claim, and there have been owners of
such extreme sensibility that they would fail to dispel the illusion with the
actual facts.

But mining is now no longer a speculation. The elements of commercial
wealth, transportation, reduction, thorough exploitation, rightly enter into every
investment, large or small.

And because Georgetown has established herself on an enduring basis ; because

she has succeeded in demonstrating the real wealth of her mines ; because she is

aware of the great opportunities whose development must still add to her growth

and prosperity, is the reason that she holds out cordial welcome to those who

come to sojourn or to reside in her midst.

THE "COURIER."
Georgetown, Colorado, June, 1886.

-^J'DlRECTORY OF GEORGETOWN.^*

Schools.
Public and High School.
Sisters School,

Churc?ies.

Grace Episcopal,
Presbyterian,
Methodist Episcopal,
Catholic,

Swedish Lutheran.
Hospital.
The Sisters' Hospital.
Fire Department.
Georgetown Fi re & Hose Co.,
Hope Hose Co.,
Alpine Hose Co.
Star Hook and Ladder Co.

Stage Lines.
Georgetown & Middle Park,
Georgetown & Empire.

Places of Amusement.
McClellan Opera House,
Georgetown Rink.

Newspapers.
"Georgetown Courier,"
"Colorado Miner,"
"The Arbitrator" (labor).
Oas and Water Companies.
Clear Creek Water Co.,
Georgetown Gas Co.

Telegraph and Telephone.
W. U. Telegraph Co.,
Colorado Telephone Co.

Bailroads.
Colorado Central,
Georgetown, B. & L.

Hotels.
Barton House,
Hotel de Paris,
City Hotel,
Ennis House,
Star Hotel.

Boarding Houses.
Georgetown House,
Woodward House,
Cottage Inn,
St. Andrews House,
Doyle House.

Ore Buyers.
Public Ore Market,
Miners Sampling Works,
Geo. W. Hall & Co.
Concentrating and Sampling.
Stanton Engineering Co.
Florence Mill.
Terrible Mill,
Clear Creek Mill,
Corry Mill,
Kocky Mountain Mill.

Lumber
G. W. Hall & Co.,
David Wilson.

Saddlery.
H. O. Button.

Abstract Office.
Sayr & Parnielee.

8i)orting Goods.
John A. Monis.

U. S. Dep. Mineral Surveyors.

Wheat on & Chase,

Geo. E. Marsh,

F. A. Maxwell,

K. L. N. Foster,

M, T. Morrell,

11. W. Steele.

Attorneys at Law.

R. S. Morrison,

Fillius & Bullls,

Chas. C. Post,

John A. Coulter,

A. K. White,

L. H. Shepard,

William B. Hood,

W. T. Hughes.

Cfesar A. Roberts,

Luke Palmer.

T. J. Cantlon.

7'ailors.

Jacob Snetzer,

Morris Tishler,

James McDonald.
Barbers.

C. A. Townsend,

Theodore King,

W. Townsend.

Ckml and Grain.

Phil. Fillius,

Chas. B. Bullock.

Livery Stables.

A. R. Kinney,

Mileham & Balfour,
Dentists,

R. B. Welser,

W. W, Dunning.

Physicians,

R. J. Collins,

W. A. Jayne,

J. J. Lutze.

W. J. Eagles.

Provisions.

George Pease,

Z. Kalbaugh,

John Cowen.

Millinery.

Miss K. Pulis & Co.

Mrs. J. C. DeVotie.
Blacksmiths.

A. H. Colburn,

M. V. Wright,

Grocers.

C. W. Pollard & Co..

L. D. Tlmmons,

J. F. & A. C. Tucker,

Henry Knelsel,

Spruance & Hutchinson,
; Frank P. Stewart.
j Boot and Shoe-Makers.
\ Jacob Oaks,
j C. Johnson,
I A. Dickinson,

Henry Schwartz.

Painter's and Paper Hangers.

William Youngson,

George Cary,

Frank Hamilton,

Geo. W. Stewart,

R. Coe.

S. D. Faurot.

PUotographer.
Alexaiider Martin.
Druggists.
Forbes & Stromberg,
E. S. Wright.

News and Book Deale,
Frank J. Wood.

Dry Goods and Clothi,
Samuel Strousse,
Louis Cohen,
Jacob Hepner.

Jewelei's.
J. S. Gates & Co.,
Evans & Glrton,
E. S. Wright.

Musical Instrument^
C. C. Churchill.

Restaurants.
Mrs. C. H. Hook,
Louis Dupuy.

Hardware Dealers.
Pollard & Co.,
A. F. Curtis,
Samuel Nash,
William Bible.

Confectionery Dealers

A. A. Walling.
Joseph Newton,

B. Shlmberg,

Mrs. E. A. Mileham.

Machine Shops.
Clear Creek F. and M. ('(
Hall & Tlbbltts.

Banks.
Bank of Georgetown,
Clear Creek County Banl

Meat Markets.
Jos. Harvat & Co.,
Mills & Harvat.
Schafer & Gould,

Furniture.

C. McClellan,
Henry Boyer.

Insurance.
Henry Selfrled,
John Tom ay.

Assay ers.
R. B. Martin,
Robert Neuman.
Billiard Parlors and Salot
Nelson & Frohra,
P. H. Layden,
Henry Goetze,
Dan. Golden,
B. Agnese,

Boies, Ecklund <feSnyde,
Holcombe & Co.,
James O'Donnell,
Fred Gall,
John Sjoqvlst,
Drelfurst & Ebert.
Fountain Bros.

Carpenters.
David Duncan.
Beni Southgate.
M. A. Harris,
Louis Ta.ylor,
1. Y eager.

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