In 1863, prospectors discovered significant amounts of Gold, Lead, and Silver in the mountains that are now part of the Galena mining district. Soon after this discovery, the Galena ghost town came to life.
In the early 1870s, the population began to increase liberally. In 1873, there were 300 residents, two hotels, and four general stores.
Shortly after 1875, the population exploded, creating a boom town. Galena now contained a cemetery and city park. The population was now well above 450 residents.
The population began to decrease in the early 1880s.
Tragedy struck in 1889 when the mill and assay office burned down. - because of the decreasing population coupled with the fire. The mill owner decided not to rebuild. Due to this inconvenience, active mines had to truck raw minerals down the mountain for processing, which was a major undertaking and a great expense that made mining nearly unprofitable for the smaller mine operations. Then all the mines shut down, and the once thriving town was essentially abandoned.
However, there were some revivals. In the early 1900s, three mines began operation. But none managed to last even a decade.
In the 1960s, two mines began active operations. And were abandoned in the 1970s.
This marks the end of mining for Galena. Now, it sits permanently abandoned, without any other revivals. But, the shell of this once important town still remains. Join us as we explore this unique ghost town with a rich and luscious history.
This is part one of a two-video series. Be sure to checkout part two: • An Amazing Find Inside...
28 сен 2024
