Mining

Mining. . , Mining activity in the Telluride area began in the early 1870's. Hundreds of prospectors crossed the treacherous Ophir Pass from Silverton in search of precious metals. In 1875, John Fallon filed a claim on the Sheridan Mine, located on the great Sheridan Vein. This vein would feed four of Telluride's most successful mines: Sheridan, Mendota, Smuggler and Union. Other prominent mines in the region included: Black Bear, Gold King, Liberty Bell, Nellie, Pandora and Tomboy. , The inaccessibility of the area made production costs exceptionally high. All supplies were hauled over steep mountain trails. The ore was transported out by pack mule to Ouray. Then it was shipped by wagon 120 miles to Alamosa, and finally by train to Denver for processing. The copper, zinc, sulphur, lead, silver, and gold were of such high grade that the mines were profitable despite the transportation costs. The coming of the railroad in 1890 eased these difficulties. , Gold was found in both mountain veins and along the San Miguel River. By 1890 placer claims were filed on almost every foot of river bank. , Mining activity slowed in the 1920's. The Depression and subsequent drop in price for precious ore forced many mines to close. A syndicate, which controlled the larger mines, continued operations on a reduced scale. This syndicate changed hands many times. In 1953, the Idarado Mining Company purchased the Telluride mines. Idarado mined extensively in the Telluride area until 1978. , Telluride's mines have produced over 250 million dollars worth of minerals since the 1879's. Today the prospectors are gone, but many precious metals remain undisturbed in the majestic San Juan Mountains.