Tintic Mining District (Utah)

The Tintic Mining District in central Utah used to be the greatest source of silver in the western United States. Silver was first discovered there in 1869 by cowboy George Rust. The district was officially organized in December 1869. The district flourished throughout the 19th century, becoming the top producer of the state in 1899.

From the guide to the Tintic Mining District manuscripts, 1873-1925, (L. Tom Perry Special Collections)

"The discovery of the Sunbeam Lode and the subsequent organization of the Tintic Mining District on Decomber 13, 1869, was the beginning of a mining district which ultimately became world-famous. The name is in honor of the Ute Indian Chief Tintic who roamed this area with his braves. This district survives as the best physical reminder of Utah's moning heritage. Towns include Eureka, Silver City, Diamond, Knightsville, and Homansville. Gold, silver, lead, and copper were the primary minerals of the region. There were four railroad companies serving the mining district: Salt Lake and Western Railway, the Tintic Range Railway, the New East Tintic Railway, and the narrow gauge Eureka Hill Railway. Eureka came to be known as one of the quietest boom camps in the west. There were stores, theaters, hotels, schools, newspapers, churches, an Andrew Carnegie library, and one of the first Golden Rule (J.C. Penney) stores. There was a diverse ethnic mix in the district. The camps consisted of people representing many mationalities and religions, the famous and notorious, miners, prospectors, business proprietors, doctors, teachers, cowboys, railroad men, and beloved women. These women rocked the cradle, nursed the sick, and waited at the mouth of the mines to know who was being brought up from the bowels of the earth below. The women dressed the dead and knelt in prayer. To all who believed tomorrow would bring a better life, we pay honor. Today we stand together and remember the great heroes of yesterday who settled this district with a dream of a better tomorrow," (www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM2JXX).

From the description of Utah Tintic District manuscripts, 1873-1925. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 368059836