Importance of the past

Knowing where minerals have been found in the past gives you a leg up when looking for minerals today. Understanding the history of an area will tell you what was mined, how it was mined, who mined it and more importantly, why they stopped mining.

Successful Mining of minerals from the earth can be dependent on economic conditions, ease of access to the land, available technology and even the political environment. All of these things can change over time and open up new mining opportunities.

In the US many gold mines were shut down in 1942 by the War Production Board for strategic reasons, not because the minerals were expended. Anything that makes it unprofitable to mine, will stop the digging. Know the past and know where to dig today.

What's in the Mining History Library

The history of mining in the United States is documented by volumes of federal information and in numerous collections of state and private libraries. Land Matters will be providing the best general information available in the public domain, and links for you to do more detailed research on your own.

Search the Mining History Library for a place of your choice. Try searching by the following;

State - Use the full name or its abbreviation (CA or california)

County

Mining District

Placer or Lode

Use the search box above for your own custom search or BROWSE the entire Mining History Library:

Enter "MINING" into the search box.

Don't forget to visit our Maps pages. The first step on the way to your next adventure.

Land Matters. Stake your Claim.