Mining and Miners in Arizona
Arizona, a land sculpted by time and blessed with a wealth of mineral resources, owes much of its development and character to the intrepid individuals who dared to delve beneath its surface. The story of Mining and Miners in Arizona is one of courage, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of fortune, a narrative woven into the very fabric of the state’s history. From the early Spanish explorers driven by dreams of gold to the rugged Anglo-Saxon prospectors who braved the dangers of the Apache frontier, mining has been a cornerstone of Arizona’s economy and a defining element of its cultural identity.
The allure of precious metals has long been a powerful motivator, drawing people from all walks of life to the harsh landscapes of Arizona. As James Harvey McClintock observed in 1916, the miner often serves as the "scout of civilization," venturing into uncharted territories and paving the way for subsequent waves of settlement. This pioneering spirit, fueled by the hope of striking it rich, played a crucial role in opening up the vast expanse of Arizona to further development.
The Spanish Legacy: A Quest for Cibola’s Gold
The roots of Mining and Miners in Arizona stretch back to the era of Spanish exploration. Francisco Vazquez de Coronado’s expedition in the 16th century, driven by the legendary tales of the Seven Cities of Cibola, marked the initial foray into the region in search of gold. While Coronado’s primary objective remained elusive, the Spanish presence ultimately led to the discovery of other mineral deposits, particularly silver, in Southern Arizona. For centuries, the mines of Pimería Alta, operated among relatively peaceful Indian tribes, became a significant source of revenue for the Spanish Crown. These early mining operations laid the foundation for the industry that would later flourish under Anglo-American control.
Anglo-Saxon Expansion: Braving the Apache Frontier
With the acquisition of Arizona by the United States, a new chapter began in the history of Mining and Miners in Arizona. Anglo-Saxon prospectors, driven by the same relentless pursuit of wealth, ventured into the northern and eastern regions of the territory. This expansion, however, was met with fierce resistance from the Apache, who fiercely defended their ancestral lands. Numerous tales recount the ambushes and hardships faced by these early miners, highlighting the perilous conditions under which they operated.
Despite the dangers, the prospectors persevered, gradually pushing back the Apache and opening up new areas for mining. Following in their wake came traders, cattle ranchers, farmers, and home seekers, transforming Arizona from a sparsely populated frontier into a more settled and developed territory. While mining was no longer the sole industry, it remained the dominant force, contributing significantly to the state’s economy and shaping its character.
The Nature of Mining Wealth
McClintock emphasized the unique value of mining wealth, asserting that a "dollar from under the ground is a new dollar and a whole dollar." The gold bars from the assayer’s den and the molten stream from the converter’s lip represented tangible additions to the money supply, generating permanent wealth for the benefit of society. This perspective highlights the significance of mining as a fundamental economic activity, capable of creating new value and driving overall prosperity.
Furthermore, McClintock argued that mining had evolved beyond the realm of mere luck and speculation. While chance discoveries still occurred, the industry was increasingly reliant on sound judgment, experience, and efficient management. The "good, hard horse sense" of successful miners, combined with modern techniques and large-scale operations, proved to be more reliable than blind hope and enthusiasm.
The Decline of Silver and the Rise of Copper
Despite the enduring appeal of silver, its demonetization had a limited impact on Arizona’s mining industry. By the time silver prices plummeted, many of the territory’s famous silver mines, including those at McCracken, Tombstone, Silver King, and Richmond Basin, had already closed down. The focus shifted increasingly to copper, which would eventually become Arizona’s most important mineral resource.
The Vanishing Prospector: An Optimist of the Hills
The romantic figure of the lone prospector, wandering the hills with his trusty burro in search of a bonanza, holds a prominent place in the mythology of Mining and Miners in Arizona. These individuals, often sustained by little more than a "grubstake" from a town gambler or storekeeper, embodied the spirit of optimism and self-reliance that characterized the frontier.
The prospector’s outfit was simple: a burro, a pickaxe, a gold pan, and a supply of bacon, coffee, and tobacco. He roamed the mountains, sampling every iron-stained dike and investigating every rocky outcrop, driven by the unwavering belief that riches lay just around the corner. While many prospectors were overly optimistic and prone to staking claims of questionable value, their efforts played a vital role in identifying potential mining sites and contributing to the overall exploration of the territory.
The Miner: From Underground to Capitalist
In contrast to the often-transient lifestyle of the professional prospector, the miner who occasionally ventured into prospecting represented a different breed. These individuals, often seeking a break from the darkness underground, used their knowledge and experience to evaluate potential claims more carefully. They were more likely to hold onto any valuable discoveries they made, gradually accumulating wealth and eventually transitioning into mine owners and leading citizens of their communities.
A Blind Miner’s Courage: Henry Ewing’s Story
The annals of Mining and Miners in Arizona are filled with tales of extraordinary courage and determination. Among the most remarkable is the story of Henry Ewing, a blind miner who, in 1904, returned to his Nixie Mine near Oatman and single-handedly sunk a shaft, despite his disability.
Ewing rigged up safety wires, set up a windlass, and blasted, dug, and hauled ore buckets to the surface, all while caring for himself in camp. His adventures included encounters with rattlesnakes and a near-fatal fall from a ladder. Ewing’s resilience and unwavering spirit serve as a testament to the human capacity to overcome adversity.
Lone Miners and Their Achievements
Ewing’s story is not unique. Throughout Arizona’s mining history, many individuals have demonstrated remarkable pluck and perseverance by developing their claims alone. Frank Hamilton, in the Hualpai Mountains, sunk two shafts, 100 and 50 feet deep, without assistance. J.L. Doyle connected two 65-foot shafts with a drift. Enoch Kile single-handedly sunk a 75-foot shaft in Yavapai County. These unsung heroes, driven by their own ambition and determination, contributed significantly to the development of Arizona’s mining industry.
The legacy of Mining and Miners in Arizona is a rich and complex one, encompassing tales of courage, hardship, innovation, and the unwavering pursuit of fortune. From the Spanish explorers to the Anglo-Saxon prospectors, from the lone miners to the captains of industry, the individuals who dared to delve beneath the surface of Arizona have left an indelible mark on the state’s history and character. Their stories continue to inspire and remind us of the enduring power of human ambition and the transformative potential of mineral wealth.