Interesting hand-drawn map of the Klondike Mine, created in December 1935.
The map llustrates the layout of the Klondike Mine located in the Weaver Mining District of Mohave County, Arizona. The map was produced as an assay plan to accompany a report by L.F.S. Holland and includes several detailed depictions of the mine's underground workings, such as tunnels, shafts, and other mining infrastructure. The use of colored lines and notes indicates the different types of mineral veins, assay locations, and structural components, providing a technical blueprint of the mine's layout for practical mining purposes.
Weaver Mining District
The Weaver Mining District, located in central-western Arizona, has a rich history of gold and mineral extraction dating back to the mid-19th century. Established during the Arizona gold rush, the district gained prominence when prospector Pauline Weaver discovered gold in the region in 1863, attracting a significant influx of miners and settlers. This discovery led to the rapid development of mining towns and camps. The district primarily became known for placer and lode gold mining but also produced silver and copper.
Mining in the Weaver District was sustained by periodic booms throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, spurred by rising metal prices and advances in mining technology. The Klondike Mine, as depicted in the map, likely represents a typical lode mining operation of the 1930s, focusing on extracting gold-bearing quartz veins. Such mines were vital to Arizona's economy, providing employment and fueling local economies in often remote, rugged areas.
Mohave County
Mohave County, Arizona, has long been associated with mining, with its mineral-rich mountains drawing prospectors since the mid-1800s. After the Gadsden Purchase and the creation of the Arizona Territory, mining became one of the primary economic drivers of the region. Mohave County, formed in 1864, saw an influx of miners following the discovery of gold and silver, particularly in areas like the Hualapai and Cerbat mountain ranges.
By the late 19th century, mining camps like Chloride and Oatman became boomtowns, driven by gold discoveries. The county also saw significant copper production, especially in the early 20th century, contributing to Arizona's status as one of the largest copper-producing states in the nation.