This ruin was once the Toltec Mine, a producing gold and silver claim that operated into the 1940s.
history under ground
creeks
A shallow creek traces Illinois Gulch toward the Chain O’ Mines mill. Ball mills are laid out in the sun.
From the door where mine carts were dumped into the Concentrator, the erosion around the former Santiago Tunnel on Treasure Mountain is obvious. The rails barely connect to the ground anymore.
North Star Brewery Cave, Fall 2012
The Duncan House overlooks the Columbus Mill (left) and the Gold Prince Mill ruins (not picture, but to the right). Note the Columbus Mine itself above the mill.
A creek has cut through the middle of the mine property, washing away the loose rock and eroding the foundations of the Concentrator. It’s pretty, though! It’s be belief, though I cannot prove it, that some of the water here originates from inside the now-buried Santiago Tunnel, which is no doubt flooded to a great extent.
Taken around 11,600 feet.