A long abandoned ore bin near Central City, Colorado. The high-grade ore from the gold mine was placed in these bins until it could be transported to the mill for processing. The waste rock from the mine covers the hillside.

 

In the 1880's this area was packed with people, wagons, and buildings. The hillsides for dozens of miles were totally denuded of trees for mine timbers and fuel. Tents and wooden shelters were everywhere a flat spot could be created. The elevation is over 9000 ft. (almost 3000 meters) and the winters were grim, but work continued non-stop. The death rate in the mines was staggering. And during the period of its greatest activity, Central City was given the title of "The Richest Square Mile on Earth."  Vast fortunes were being made and lost.

 

Mike Beech
 

---

Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel.