Argo Gold Mine and Mill (Idaho Springs, Colorado)

USA / Colorado / Idaho Springs / Idaho Springs, Colorado / Riverside Drive, 2350
 museum, mill, mine, NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, interesting place, historic district, mining museum, gold panning area
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Historic former gold mine and mill listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as a historic district.

Built: 1913 (mill); tunnel bored between 1893 and 1910
Areas of significance: Commerce; Industry
Area: 20 acres
Also known as: Argo Tunnel and Mill (alternative NRHP name); Newhouse Tunnel and Argo Mill
Date added to NRHP: 1/31/1978
Other designations: part of the Mining Industry in Colorado Multiple Property Submission; listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties
Notes: The mine tunnel, which once had 18-inch gauge rail track running its length, extends about five miles north from this location and was used to transport ore to the mill. The mill complex itself rises to 7 stories in height at its tallest, and was one of the largest gold mills in its heyday. The mine and mill are no longer operational, but tours and gold panning are available to tourists.

www.argomilltour.com/
Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argo_Gold_Mine_and_Mill
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   39°44'34"N   105°30'17"W

Comments

  • In the 1970's there was a vast rush of water from the Argo Tunnel. The water was loaded with toxic materials formed from decaying minerals and equipment left in the many miles of workings. Clear Creek was poisoned all the way to the Platte River and took weeks to clear.
This article was last modified 7 years ago