Legends of The Old West (Gold / Silver Mining, Cowboys, Indians & More)

Welcome to the Precious Metals Bug Forums

Welcome to the PMBug forums - a watering hole for folks interested in gold, silver, precious metals, sound money, investing, market and economic news, central bank monetary policies, politics and more.

Why not register an account and join the discussions? When you register an account and log in, you may enjoy additional benefits including no Google ads, market data/charts, access to trade/barter with the community and much more. Registering an account is free - you have nothing to lose!

The Crooked Lawyer Who Stole A Town’s Gold​

Jul 26, 2025
In this video, we dive deep into the fascinating and turbulent story of Gilt Edge, Montana—a forgotten mining town nestled in the Judith Mountains. Just a stone’s throw from the historic towns of Maiden and Zortman, Gilt Edge had all the makings of a classic boomtown: gold discoveries, mining innovations, shady characters, and eventual decline.
It all started in 1883 when a prospector named Limrock struck gold and named the site “Gilt Edge.” But early mining efforts failed—until 1892, when a revolutionary cyanide leaching process turned worthless rock into rich gold ore, launching one of the first cyanide mills in the United States.
What followed was a wild ride: enter “Honest Bob” Ammon, a crooked New York lawyer turned mine manager who pulled off a gold heist and vanished. Despite setbacks, Gilt Edge flourished under new management and became a vibrant town complete with saloons, stores, and even a visit from Calamity Jane herself.
The town thrived until 1912, briefly revived in the 1980s, and now stands as a ghost town where you can still spot remnants of its colorful past.
Thank you for watching!


5:24

- Zortman Video: • You Will NEVER Guess Which Outlaw Came To ...
- Maiden Video: • Why Did Investors Give Up and Leave PILES ...
 

The Lost Doctor Thorne Mine: The True Origins of the Lost Dutchman Legend? Museum Cut​

Jul 30, 2025
(In this Shorten Museum Cut) Could the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine actually be rooted in the tale of the lost Doctor Thorne mine? Join Clay Worst as he uncovers the fascinating story of Doctor Thorne, who was rewarded with a hidden gold mine deep in the Superstition Mountains by the Apaches as a token of gratitude. Allowed to take as much gold as he could carry, Thorne spent the rest of his life and fortune desperately trying to rediscover this elusive treasure. Is this the true origin of the Lost Dutchman legend?


7:01
 

This 1940s Mining Camp Was Left to Die in the Nevada Desert​

Aug 2, 2025 #NevadaHistory #AbandonedMines #LuckyTigerMine
The Rise and Fall of the Lucky Tiger Mine | Nevada’s Forgotten Mid-Century Gold Camp
Tucked into the remote Buckskin Mountains of Humboldt County, Nevada, the Lucky Tiger Mine is a rare example of a "modern" mining operation that rose and fell in the heart of the American West. While most ghost mines date back to the 1800s, the Lucky Tiger didn’t hit its stride until the late 1930s—yet its story is every bit as fascinating.
Originally discovered in 1906, it wasn’t until the Nevada Lucky Tiger Company took over in the 1930s that serious development began. Backed by industrial giant ASARCO, the site soon became a full-fledged mining camp with a working mill, bunkhouses, cookhouse, assay office, and family homes—housing up to 150 people at its peak.
This video explores the heyday of the Lucky Tiger, the people who lived and worked there, and the complex ores that made this mine both promising and technically challenging. We follow the mine’s final years into the 1950s and its eventual shutdown, before being documented by the Historic American Engineering Record in the 1960s.


4:25
 

Silver, Explosions, and Smugglers: The Untold Story of Neihart, Montana​

Aug 9, 2025
Discover the Rise and Resilience of Neihart, Montana
Join us as we explore the fascinating story of Neihart—one of Montana’s highest and most enduring mining towns. From its silver strike in 1881 to devastating disasters and roaring booms, Neihart's history is as rugged as the Little Belt Mountains it calls home. Learn about the mines, the people, and the town that refused to fade away.
⛏️ Explosions, whiskey smuggling, railroads, and rich silver veins—this is frontier history at its finest.
📍 Just an hour south of Great Falls, Neihart still stands today.


5:12
 

Death, Gold, and Madness: Clay Worst on the 1960s Feud over Gold (Museum Cut)​

Aug 12, 2025
In this Shorten Version) Step back into the wild 1960s with Clay Worst as he unveils the dramatic and deadly feud over Weavers Needle in the Superstition Mountains. Discover the intense rivalry between Ed Piper and Jones, fueled by the hunt for Jesuit Gold and the elusive Lost Dutchman Mine. What began as a treasure hunt spiraled into a tale of greed, obsession, and ultimately murder. This is one story you won’t want to miss—where legends collide and the pursuit of gold turns deadly.


6:36

- Watch the long version at • Death on the Mountain: Unraveling the Myst...
 

Skagway Alaska: The Wild Gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush (1897–1900)​

Step back in time to the wild days of the Klondike Gold Rush and discover the fascinating history of Skagway, Alaska. In this video, we explore how this small port town became the most important gateway to the Yukon during one of the greatest gold rushes in history.
Packed with rare historical photographs of Skagway from the late 1890s, early 1900s, and even the 1960s, this story brings to life the bustling streets, steamship docks, and rough-and-tumble characters who shaped the town. You’ll meet notorious outlaw Jefferson "Soapy" Smith, learn about the brutal Chilkoot and White Pass trails, and see how steamships from Seattle, San Francisco, and Vancouver poured tens of thousands of hopeful stampeders into this once-quiet stretch of Alaskan wilderness.
We’ll also uncover how Captain William Moore’s vision set the stage for Skagway’s boom, why the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad became a game-changer, and how businesses thrived by outfitting miners instead of digging for gold.
From lawless saloons and makeshift tent cities to the eventual decline after 1900, Skagway’s history is a mix of ambition, chaos, and survival. Today, the town stands as one of the best-preserved gold rush towns in North America, attracting visitors from around the world who want to walk its wooden boardwalks, ride the famous railroad, and relive the golden age of the Yukon Gold Rush.
If you love Alaskan history, Klondike Gold Rush stories, old photographs, and tales of boomtowns, this video is for you.


10:14
 

The Montana Town That Had TWO Railroads… and LOST It All​

Aug 23, 2025 #montana #montanaghosttowns #montanahistory
Step back in time to the forgotten mining town of Wickes, Montana, once a booming smelter hub tucked away in the gulches of Jefferson County. Just 20 miles southwest of Helena, Wickes rose from a silver camp in the 1860s to a bustling community of more than 1,500 people by the 1880s. With saloons, dance halls, railroads, and the famous Alta Mine and smelter, the town thrived during Montana’s silver boom.
But like so many Western mining towns, Wickes fell as quickly as it rose. Fires, mine closures, and the Panic of 1893 spelled its decline, leaving behind only ruins and memories. Today, Wickes stands as a ghost town, where crumbling stone walls and silent smelter stacks whisper the stories of its past.
Join us as we explore the rise and fall of Wickes, uncovering its mining history, the people who built it, and the disasters that brought it down.


5:45
 

Crazy Jake Exposed! Clay Worst Reveals the Truth Behind the Salazar Survey & Lost Mines​

Aug 23, 2025
(In this shorten Museum Cut) Step deep into the legends of the Superstition Mountains as Clay Worst recounts his unforgettable encounters with the infamous Crazy Jake. Using Clay’s own surveying research on the Salazar Survey, Crazy Jake spun wild tales of lost Mexican family mines between the Salt River and Weaver’s Needle—tricking investors and anyone who crossed his path. But in the end, Clay Worst had the last word.
⚒️ Did Crazy Jake really discover lost mines—or just weave stories to defraud investors?
🌄 How did his schemes shape the legends surrounding the Lost Dutchman Mine?
🤠 What secrets still hide in the rugged canyons of Arizona’s Superstitions?
Join us for a powerful story of deception, history, and the untamed Wild West. If you love the Lost Dutchman Mine, Arizona history, or the legends of the Superstition Mountains, this tale is one you won’t want to miss.


6:41

- Watch the Full length Video: • Crazy Jake Revealed: Clay Worst's Wildest ...
 

Ted DeGrazia's Millions in Hidden (Art Museum Cut)​

Premiered 7 hours ago SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN - LOST DUTCHMAN MUSEUM
Explore the captivating narrative of the concealed artistic journey of Ted DeGrazia as recounted by Larry Hedrick. Delve into the updated account, featuring fresh insights and revelations about the hidden artistry of this remarkable individual. Join us on a journey through DeGrazia's artistic legacy, unveiling new perspectives and stories that add depth to his creative connection and love for the Superstition Mountains.


4:22
 

BOOMTOWN -100,000 Stampeders - Klondike GOLD Rush - RARE Photos You've NEVER Seen Before!​

Step back in time to Dawson City, Yukon—the legendary heart of the Klondike Gold Rush. In 1896, a single gold discovery on Bonanza Creek sparked one of the greatest stampedes in history, drawing over 100,000 hopeful prospectors north in search of fortune.
From the dangerous Chilkoot Pass to the booming streets of Dawson City, this video tells the incredible story of the gold rush that transformed Canada’s North. Meet the prospectors who struck it rich, the merchants and gamblers who cashed in, and the thousands who risked everything but never found gold.
Today, Dawson City stands as a living museum where history still echoes in its boardwalks, saloons, and goldfields. Whether you’re a history lover, adventurer, or dreamer, this story of grit, gold, and survival will transport you back to the last great gold rush.


11:51

Skagway Video: • This TOWN Was The Gateway To The GOLD Rush
 

Unraveling the Mystery of Adolph Ruth's Gruesome Fate with Hank Sheffer (Museum Cut)​

Join us on an intriguing journey through time as we delve into one of the most chilling and perplexing mysteries that has shrouded the Superstition Mountain since the 1930s. In this captivating episode, noted author Hank Sheffer brings to light the spine-tingling tale of Adolph Ruth's fateful expedition. A gripping narrative entwined with maps, treasure, and murder.
Adolph Ruth, Armed with maps and fueled by an insatiable desire for discovery, Ruth embarked on a perilous journey that would ultimately lead to his shocking demise. What secrets did the mountain guard so fiercely? What did Ruth hope to uncover? The answers lie buried within the heart of this captivating mystery.
Hank Sheffer, a seasoned storyteller and expert in the lore of the Superstition Mountain, takes us through a vivid recounting of events that unfolded during Ruth's ill-fated expedition. Drawing from historical records, first-hand accounts, and his extensive research, Sheffer paints a vivid picture of the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Ruth's last days.
If you're as fascinated by unsolved mysteries, thrilling narratives, and tales of exploration as we are, give this video a thumbs up and share it with your fellow adventurers. Let's embark on this spine-chilling journey together!


5:28
 

Colorado’s Forgotten Railroad of Gold​

Unlike most of my stories about old mines and ghost towns, this one is a little different. While digging into the history of Colorado’s mining camps, I kept finding the same name over and over again: the Gilpin Tramway.
Built in 1886 by a group of determined mining men, this narrow-gauge railroad wound its way through Black Hawk, Central City, Nevadaville, Quartz Hill, and Russell Gulch. At its peak, the Gilpin Tram connected nearly 280 mines and mills, using more switchbacks than any other railroad in the United States.
For thirty years, it hauled countless tons of ore down to Black Hawk’s stamp mills and smelters—keeping the district alive and earning the town its nickname, the City of Mills. From its fiery “warming house” that kept ore thawed in the winter, to the day its last train ran in January of 1917, the story of the Gilpin Tramway is one of grit, ingenuity, and mountain railroading at its finest.


6:24

Link to Central City: • THIS Was The Place - Even The PRESIDENT Ca...
 

50-Year Quest for the Lost Dutchman: Walter Gassler’s Hunt for Gold with Larry Hedrick​

Sep 9, 2025
Join Larry Hedrick as he reveals the captivating 50-year saga of Walter Gassler's relentless pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman gold mine. This thrilling journey takes unexpected twists as Gassler's quest pulls in former Arizona Attorney General Bob Corbin and adventurer Tom Kollerborn. Together, they navigate a web of intrigue, uncovering secrets, and chasing clues in their search for Gassler's camp and the elusive treasure. Will they finally uncover the fabled Lost Dutchman gold mine? Dive into this gripping narrative to find out!


6:15
 

Nome Gold Rush 1899 – Fortune & Chaos in Alaska. + Bonus, RARE PHOTOS​

Sep 13, 2025 #NomeGoldRush #AlaskaHistory #GoldRush
Step back in time to the legendary Nome Gold Rush of 1899, one of the wildest and most dramatic chapters in Alaska’s history. Following the discovery of gold on Anvil Creek and the shocking revelation that fine gold lay in the beach sands of Nome, tens of thousands of fortune seekers rushed north—leaving Dawson City and the Klondike behind in search of new riches.
In this video, you’ll see rare historical photos that bring Nome’s boomtown days to life, along with a slideshow of extra images at the end. From the chaotic arrival of steamships off Nome’s icy coast, to the bustling Front Street saloons, canvas tent cities, and even the infamous Dexter Saloon owned by Wyatt Earp, this story is packed with adventure.
Read more below the vid on youtube.


13:06

Dawson City Gold Rush video here: • THIS Is What The 1898 Yukon Gold Rush Was ...
 
www.facebook.com

Western Mining History

Western Mining History. 96,405 likes · 10,039 talking about this. Reliving the amazing mining history of the western United States
www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
 

Britannia Mine’s Dark History: Tragedy, Treasure, and Survival​

Sep 20, 2025 #britanniamine #britishcolumbiahistory #squamish
The Britannia Mine on Howe Sound was once one of the biggest copper producers in the British Empire. From its discovery in 1898 to its closure in 1974, Britannia carved out 210 km of tunnels and produced massive amounts of copper, zinc, silver, and gold.
Life here was tough—families faced landslides, fires, floods, and disease in this isolated company town. Yet Britannia thrived for nearly 70 years, its iconic Mill No. 3 still towering over the shoreline today.
Now preserved as the Britannia Mine Museum, it remains a powerful reminder of boom, hardship, and resilience.


5:48

Anyox Video Link: • Built by Copper, DESTROYED by Fire: The Gh...
 

The Legend of Lydian Perrine: Uncovering the "Cave of Gold Bars" in the Superstition Mountains​

Premiered Feb 26, 2021
Unlock the Mysteries of the Superstition Mountains! Dive into the legendary tale of Lydian Perrine and the elusive "Cave of Gold Bars" hidden deep within the Superstition Mountains. Discover the thrilling stories of lost treasures, secret caches, and daring hunts for gold that have captivated explorers for generations.
Could the fabled gold bars still be waiting to be found? Join us as we unravel the mysteries, share incredible legends, and take you on a journey into one of the most intriguing treasure hunts in history!


20:52
 

Climbing the Golden Stairs: The Harsh Journey of the Klondike Gold Rush​

Sep 27, 2025 #klondikegoldrush #chilkoot #yukonterritory
In 1897, the Klondike Gold Rush set the world on fire. Thousands of stampeders poured into Alaska, chasing dreams of fortune hidden deep in the Yukon. Their journey led them through Skagway and Dyea—two boomtowns that became the gateways to the legendary Chilkoot Trail.
From Dyea, fortune seekers battled through muddy camps, raging rivers, and the notorious Sheep Camp before facing the ultimate challenge: the “Golden Stairs.” This mile-long climb carved into snow and ice tested every ounce of strength as stampeders hauled a government-mandated one ton of supplies, trip after grueling trip.
At the summit, they crossed into Canada and pressed on to Lake Bennett, where frozen camps turned into bustling tent cities filled with saloons, blacksmiths, and boat builders. Here, miners built rafts to navigate the Yukon River to Dawson City. Among the opportunists was Friedrich Trump, grandfather of future U.S. President Donald Trump, who ran a hotel and restaurant catering to weary gold seekers.
The Chilkoot was more than just a trail—it was a proving ground of grit, ambition, and endurance. While tramways, packers, and later the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad changed the journey, the Chilkoot remains one of the most legendary routes of the Gold Rush.
Today, hikers trace those same 33 miles, walking in the footsteps of stampeders who risked everything for a chance at gold.


8:55
 

King Woolsey Pioneer Hero or Heel with Larry Hedrick (Museum Cut)​

Discover the fascinating story of King Woolsey, a founding pioneer of Arizona and a legendary Indian fighter. Was he a hero who helped shape the state, or does his legacy carry a darker side through a modern lens? In this video, we explore Woolsey’s life, his impact on Arizona history, and the controversies surrounding him.


7:54
 

Virginia & Truckee Railroad 🚂 Queen of the Short Lines in Nevada’s Wild West​

They called it the “Queen of the Short Lines.” The Virginia & Truckee Railroad carved through Nevada’s rugged mountains to carry the riches of the Comstock Lode. In this video, we’ll take a look at how this legendary short line came to life, from its beginnings in 1868 under William Sharon of the Bank of California, to its vital role linking Virginia City’s silver and gold mines with Carson City, Reno, and beyond.
At its peak, the V&T stretched about 60 miles, operated 22 locomotives and over 300 freight cars, and moved millions of tons of ore, lumber, livestock, and bullion. More than just a railroad, it became the steel backbone of Nevada’s mining boom—hauling treasure, fueling mills, and leaving behind stories of holdups, outlaws, and engineering triumphs.
In this short video, you’ll see rare historical photographs and hear the story of how the Virginia & Truckee turned ore into wealth and helped write the history of the Wild West.
If you missed my earlier video on the Gilpin Tramway, I’ve linked it below and at the end of this video—another fascinating story of how trains kept the mines alive.
Gilpin Tram Video: • Colorado’s Forgotten Railroad of Gold


5:23
 

Montana’s Silver Empire: The True Story of Elkhorn Ghost Town​


Oct 11, 2025
Step back in time to the rugged silver boom days of Elkhorn, Montana — one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the American West. In this video, we explore the Elkhorn Mine and the rise and fall of the Elkhorn mining town, a once-thriving community high in the Montana Rockies that produced millions in silver, gold, and lead during the late 1800s.
At nearly 6,400 feet above sea level, Elkhorn was founded after prospector Peter Wys discovered rich silver ore in 1875. From a single claim known as the A.M. Holter Lode, it grew into one of Montana’s most successful silver mines, producing over 8.9 million ounces of silver, 8,500 ounces of gold, and 4 million pounds of lead by 1900.
But Elkhorn was more than just a mining camp — it was a real town filled with families, saloons, schools, a church, and a fraternity hall that still stands today. At its peak, nearly 950 people called Elkhorn home. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1886 brought even more growth — until the silver crash of 1892 sent the town into decline.
Tragedy struck in the late 1880s when a diphtheria epidemic swept through, taking dozens of lives and leaving behind the haunting Elkhorn Cemetery, a somber reminder of the hardships faced by those early settlers.
By 1899, the once-prosperous Elkhorn Mine fell silent, though it reopened briefly in the early 1900s and mid-20th century. Today, Elkhorn State Park preserves what remains — including the historic Fraternity Hall and schoolhouse, both standing as testaments to a bygone era of silver, ambition, and resilience in the Montana mining frontier.
If you love ghost towns, old mines, and Montana history, this is one story you don’t want to miss.


4:48
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom