Gold and Silver!

In the spring of 1860, prospectors discovered what was to be called California Gulch. Abe Lee, one of the prospectors who had dug just a little bit deeper than his companions screamed, "I've got all of California right here in my pan!". In a heartbeat, thousands flocked to the valley for their share. There were at times more than 6,000 prospectors in the gulch, and before it was all said and done, roughly eight million dollars worth of gold was taken.

Althought it only lasted about 6 years, it was replaced in 1877 with one of the richest and most famous silver districts the world has ever seen. Leadville produced seven hundred million dollars of the precious metal! It was here that Horace Tabor made his fortune.