Since becoming a state in 1876, mining has been a vital part of Colorado’s economy and work force (in fact, mining is what brought many families to the area in the first place). Thanks to our friends at History Colorado, we can get a better glimpse at this historic occupation via these 17 rare photos that show Colorado’s mining history like never before:

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For even more historic Colorado photos, click on 20 Then And Now Photos That Will Forever Change The Way You See Colorado.

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