miner

The Forty-Niners

James Marshall, a foreman at Sutter’s Fort near Sacramento, accidentally discovered gold in January 1848 while building a sawmill. His discovery sparked the California Gold Rush. Approximately 300,000 people from across the country and around the world flocked to the region, hoping to make their fortunes. These gold-seekers were called the “Forty-Niners,” since the majority of them arrived during 1849. This book, by historian and nature writer Stewart Edward White, tells the story of California before, during, and after this pivotal period.

From the Ground Up

Arizona is known for its copper mines. This 30-paged booklet contains 15 fascinating stories about the origins of towns and mines in the state of Arizona, including Havasu mine, Vulture Mine, the Bisbee mines, Harquahala mine, and Orphan mine. Compiled by the 13th Governor of Arizona, John Richard Jack Williams, this book was edited when the Governor was 71. Governor Williams was asked to research these mining stories by the Phelps Dodge Corporation, which celebrated its centennial for Arizona mining in 1981. The company was acquired by another Phoenix company in 2007.