We drove through Hatcher Pass which is an incredibly scenic route with mountain and valley views on our way to an abandoned Gold Mine. We toured Independence Gold Mine, there are historical buildings to go inside and see relics of how they lived from this time period. I loved viewing the old dining hall, kitchen, bakery and butchery, they were very efficient with the space they used.
History: In Willow Creek, Alaska, placer gold was first discovered in 1896. Robert Lee Hatcher staked the first hard rock claim in 1906. In the ensuing years, several gold mining operations began.
In 1938, the Alaska Free Gold Mine merged with Independence Mine to form the Alaska-Pacific Consolidated Mining Co. (APC). In 1941, with 83 mining claims, the APC was the largest producer in the mining district. At one point over 200 men were employed and lived near the summit of Hatcher Pass at Independence Mine, opening dozens of tunnels and producing more than 34,000 ounces of gold.
Gold mining came to a halt during World War II. After which, activity declined until the mine finally closed in 1951.
History: In Willow Creek, Alaska, placer gold was first discovered in 1896. Robert Lee Hatcher staked the first hard rock claim in 1906. In the ensuing years, several gold mining operations began.
In 1938, the Alaska Free Gold Mine merged with Independence Mine to form the Alaska-Pacific Consolidated Mining Co. (APC). In 1941, with 83 mining claims, the APC was the largest producer in the mining district. At one point over 200 men were employed and lived near the summit of Hatcher Pass at Independence Mine, opening dozens of tunnels and producing more than 34,000 ounces of gold.
Gold mining came to a halt during World War II. After which, activity declined until the mine finally closed in 1951.
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