The Legendary Mines of Victor Colorado (Part Two) Battle Mountain

Victor Colorado is known as the City of Mines, one of the biggest gold producers in American history. Today I'll show you 4 of the top 10 mines in the district.

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Independence Mine

The Independence Mine was discovered by Winfield Scott Stratton on July 4, 1891. He would become the District's first multi-millionaire.

In 1900 Stratton sold the Independence mine to the Venture Corporation of London for $10 million. Ore reserves were discovered to be less than previously thought, and the share price crashed. Venture Corporation sued Stratton, claiming that the mine had been salted. Stratton died in 1902, but his estate defeated the lawsuit.

In 1928, the mine's gold production stood at over $28 million. This mine's amazing riches were matched by it's incredible misfortunes. In 1904, during labor unrest, 15 replacement miners plunged to their deaths in a sabotaged lift.

Portland Mine

The Portland Mine was known as "Queen of the District." Early miners claimed all of the land around the Portland, but missed the 1/10th-acre claim that gave birth to this bonanza. Filed in 1892, the Portland eventually spread over 135 acres, produced half of Battle Mountain's gold, and employed up to 700 men. 74 miles of tunnels followed its network of rich veins.

Strong Mine

The Strong Mine was one of the district's top ten producers, but it was better known for its colorful founder, Sam Strong. Sam staked his claim in 1891, but foolishly cashed his claim soon after to a syndicate for $60,000. In 1894, a bomb, planted in the Strong's main shaft, leveled both the shaft house and hoist. Sam, who may have regretted his earlier sell-out, was suspected, but never charged. His stormy career ended on a bar room floor in Cripple Creek, when he was shot dead over a gambling debt.

Gold Coin Mine

The Gold Coin Mine began as the basement of the Victor Hotel. When excavation unearthed a 20-inch vein, hotel plans were quickly scrapped. Owned by Frank and Harry Woods, Victor's founders, the Gold Coin produced $6 million in gold over ten years. After Victor's 1899 fire leveled the Gold Coin, the Woods brothers spared no expense rebuilding the shaft house with ornate pressed brick and stained glass windows. Success and wealth were fleeting for the Woods. By 1910 they had to file for bankruptcy.

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