While Idaho is home to a variety of minerals, it was gold that brought many of the first settlers into the state. In fact, gold was one of the reasons behind the creation of the Idaho territory in the 1860s. Eventually, over the years, more minerals were discovered including silver, zinc, and lead. We are fascinated by Idaho’s rich mining history and so we got right to work, gathering photos from the early 1900s that give us just a glimpse into this important part of Idaho’s history. Below are just some of our favorites.

1. In this incredible photo, miners work the machinery at a quartz mine in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District. This photo was captured around 1916.
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration/Wikimedia Commons
2. Here’s another look at some of the machinery found in the quartz mine in 1916 in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District.
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration/Wikimedia Commons
3. In this photo, you can see a miner standing in an underground mine, circa 1920.
Wikimedia Commons
4. Look closely in this photo and you will see miners riding in railroad cars into a mine. This photo was taken in Shoshone County around 1920.
Wikimedia Commons

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5. A group of miners sit outside of a mine in Shoshone County in 1920.
Wikimedia Commons
6. This photo shows some of the mining buildings in Shoshone County in 1920. Silver Valley, located in northern Idaho, is one of the richest sources of silver in the entire United States. In fact, approximately 45 percent of all silver mined in the United States comes from Idaho.
Wikimedia Commons
7. Here you will see the largest lead mine in the world surrounded by destroyed trees in Kellogg, Idaho. This photo was taken in August 1936.
Arthur Rothstein/Photogrammar
8. This photo shows a gold mill on the Salmon River in Lemhi County. This picture was taken in the Salmon River Valley in 1942.
Russell Lee/Photogrammar
9. Captured in 1942, this photo shows a miner’s cabin on the hill and the trail to reach the cabin. The small structure was located in Custer County.
Russell Lee/Photogrammar

What did you think of these mining photos? Were there any photos that stood out to you? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Did you know that you can experience the history of mining in Idaho first-hand? Take a mining tour in Idaho and see if you have what it takes to be a miner!

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