| Photo Information |
Copyright: Darrell Hotnisky (dhotnisky)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 54 W: 15 N: 40]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-s.gif) (214) |
| Genre: Places |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2006-08-14 |
| Categories: Ruins |
| Exposure: f/16, 1/125 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2007-07-29 20:39 |
| Viewed: 862 |
| Points: 16 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Swiftcurrent Mining Boom
The years of 1898 to 1900 constituted the hey-day of the short-lived mining excitement in the park. On April 15, 1898, the "Ceded Strip" was thrown open to miners and settlers. Great tales of mineral wealth had come out of the area and small veins of mineral ore had actually been discovered in the Swiftcurrent Valley and other localities throughout the park area. Throughout the entire period however, the Swiftcurrent Valley constituted the major attraction for the miners and contained the bulk of the claims and activity. Frank Stevenson, an early prospector and settler in the valley, tells of guiding the soldiers into the Swiftcurrent area to control the opening of the Strip. On the appointed day and hour, a volley of shots rang out and the rush was on—a wild stampede of miners on horses, in wagons, and even on foot. Within a matter of hours hundreds of claims were staked in the Swiftcurrent Valley and adjacent mountains. Stevenson himself staked several claims, some of which later yielded showings of oil and a mill site and water rights at Swiftcurrent Falls.
The mining boom in the Swiftcurrent Valley was very active for several years, but as little or no minerals were found where there was thought to have been a bonanza, interest died and the flurry of activity gradually ceased. By 1903 most of the claims were abandoned except for the more persistent miners, many of whom held on until the time of their deaths. This short-lived boom though, did produce several interesting developments, principally in the field of finance and promotion. The size and scope of the promotional activity was some times startling. Companies were formed and capitalized at hundreds of thousands of shares; a town sprang up in the area almost overnight and as rapidly disappeared; an entire stamp mill and reduction plant was transported into the far reaches of Canyon Creek. These and many similar items make this one of the most interesting periods in Glacier's history.
A good example of the lengths men will go to in the hopes of realizing a fortune from the elusive mineral leads is evident in the story of the Cracker Lake Mine. "On April 12, 1898, just three days before the official opening of the Ceded Strip, a mine was located on the so-called Cracker Lead, on the shore of Cracker Lake at the extreme head of the steep, narrow Canyon Creek Valley. Following the official opening of the area, work commenced on the lead and soon samples of ore were taken out to show prospective investors. Many theories have been advanced as to where these rich samples originated, as the mine never did produce paying ore in any quantity and not one pound was ever taken out of it commercially. Yet the investors were interested and sufficient capital was raised to develop the mine properly. The area soon became a beehive of activity as the shaft was driven farther and farther into the mountain, finally reaching a length of well over 1,300 feet. In the meantime work was started on a 100-ton concentrator to be located on the shore of Cracker Lake. The mill was hauled in and installed but never turned a wheel, and its remains can still be seen near the old mine entrance." []25
Charles Nielson, of East Glacier Park, recalls the difficulties involved in transporting the 16,000 pound concentrator from Fort Browning to the mine. He used a large freight wagon and twelve head of husky mules on the 29-day trip to the mine. There was very little road on the way and none after leaving the Swiftcurrent Valley. Often the load was hauled with block and tackle up the bed of Canyon Creek. Upon looking at this valley today, one can but wonder at the work and perseverance exhibited by Nielson as he toiled up this narrow gorge with his staggering load—and at the contracted rate of twenty five dollars per day.
In March of 1901, the Cracker Jack and Bulls Head mines, the latter on the slopes of Mt. Wilbur, were consolidated into the "Michigan and Montana Company," which was capitalized at $300,000. In spite of this backing though, by 1902 the mining activity dropped off, along with that of many other mines in the area. Some interest was kept alive in the mine for a number of years, but little or no work was done and all that remains today is a caved in tunnel and a pile of steel and old lumber on the site of the mill.
The land containing the Cracker Lake and Bulls Head mines changed hands several time in the years to follow and was finally picked up on a tax deed from Glacier County on September 22, 1953 by the Glacier Natural History Association. In October of 1953, the land was turned over to the Federal Government for $123.96, the cost of acquiring it and clearing title. Thus ended the story of the largest and perhaps the most famous of the mining ventures in Glacier National Park.
Former Town of Altyn
Coincident with and mainly due to the development of the Cracker Lake Mine, a small boom town sprang up at the mouth of Canyon Creek near the head of Sherburne Lake. This town, named Altyn, after Dave Greenwood Altyn, one of the backers of the Cracker Jack, continued as the center of activity for the valley as long as the mining activity existed. At its height this busy little "metropolis" contained a dozen or so buildings, including a post office, a store, several saloons and dance halls, a two-story hotel building, and a few tent-houses and cabins that served as residences. The years of 1899 and 1900 saw the height of this town, after which it dropped rapidly into obscurity; all that remains today are a few excavations along the shore of Sherburne Lake on what is known as "Cracker Flats."
Most of the mining claims were soon abandoned, but several were worked quite extensively and patented, granting permanent ownership to the claimant. Although few are still in private hands within the park, most have been bought by the Federal Government or are in the process of being acquired.
- from: http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/glac/adhi1d.htm
Also check out http://crm.cr.nps.gov/archive/21-7/21-7-16.pdf |
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