In the early twentieth century, Charles H. Spencer began his mining career along the San Juan River in Utah attempting to mine placer deposits and the Wingate Sandstone Formation for gold. After raising funds from investors in 1908 and 1909, Spencer commissioned mining engineer John H. Marks and his assistant, Albert H. Jones to survey his claims and write a mine report that he could use to attract additional investors. This mine report was completed in April, 1909, and documents Charles Spencer's mining operations at Camp Ibex or Spencer Camp, located about 30 miles from the confluence of the San Juan with the Colorado River. This mining operation was unsuccessful and closed down in June, 1909. The text describes the mining operation in great detail and the accompanying photographs show the types of mining equipment and machinery used at the site. The area was very remote with no roads and more than 200 miles from the nearest railroad. All supplies and machinery had to be brought in by wagons pulled by teams of oxen. Some of the photographs illustrate the difficulties of hauling in supplies. The panoramic photographs in the papers show the starkly beautiful scenery of this remote desert region. In addition, there are scenes of Monument Valley, Oljato Trading Post and of Native Americans who lived in the area. Some places photographed, including Spencer Camp are no longer accessible after being inundated by the waters and silt of Lake Powell. The San Juan Placer operation marked the beginning of Charles H. Spencer's long career of promoting ambitious, but ill-advised mining schemes that were usually not very lucrative, but succeeded in capturing the imagination and lightening the pocket books of many investors over the years.
