Near Lander in Fremont County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
South Pass
Mining plays a fundamental role in the history of the South Pass region. Gold may have been discovered as early as 1842, but gold fever did not strike until 1867 when a sample of South Pass ore arrived in Salt Lake City. News of the discovery spread swiftly and hordes of expectant millionaires descended on the new towns of South Pass City, Atlantic City, and Miner's Delight. The boom played out quickly. The easily obtained placer gold was rapidly exhausted and miners began leaving the area in the early 1870s.
Despite the brief duration of the boom, mining activity did not cease. In 1884, an enterprising Frenchman named Emile Granier began organizing the construction of a hydraulic gold mining system which employed many local residents over a ten year period. The Fisher Dredge Company recovered considerable gold ore from the bed of Rock Creek during the 1930s. More recently, the United States Steel iron ore mine operated near Atlantic City from the early 1960s until 1983. Hard rock mines also reopen periodically and some are presently operating. Until the next boom arrives, travelers can experience the flavor of a Rocky Mountain mining town by visiting nearby South Pass City which has been restored by the State of Wyoming.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.
Location. 42° 22.934′ N, 108° 53.846′ W. Marker is near Lander, Wyoming, in Fremont County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 28, 0.8 miles north of Lander Cutoff Road. Marker is located at the South Pass Rest Area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lander WY 82520, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Meadows in the Sage (within shouting distance of this marker); Narcissa Prentiss Whitman (approx. 2.8 miles away); Old Oregon Trail (approx. 2.8 miles away); a different marker also named South Pass (approx. 2.8 miles away); Oregon Buttes (approx. 2.9 miles away); Lander Cut-Off on the Oregon Trail (approx. 3.1 miles away); Pacific Springs (approx. 4.2 miles away); a different marker also named South Pass (approx. 5.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lander.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,031 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 18, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 25, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.