The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1878-07-23

Rapid Growth si.s New and fm-
portaat Town.
LEApvILLE, LAKE Co.. Col. 4,
July 6, 1873.

LEApvILLE, LAKE Co.. Col,
July 9, 1873.
EDITOR STANDARD
Perhaps a few words aud partial
description of what is likely to be the
best mining camp in the United States.
may interest some Of your many read
ers. On this district the eyes OF the
country are directed, watching patient
ly the developments which are sure to
make it place Of great importance.
Leadville is situated in the beautiful
basin of the Arkansas and near the
head.waters OF the river. an amphi-
theater like range OF snow-capped
mountains encircles the town on all but
the south side, which is the outlet OF
the riEer. Tie town is only three
miles from the Arkansas. aud located
at the mouth Of California Gulch which
has been known for the last ten years
AZ one OF the richest gold producing
districts in the State, il having yielded
about $4,000, 900 of the precious met
al since is discovery. This Gulch has
before been peopled by thousands, and
these same carbonate ores which have
lately come into such prominent notice
have for years been thrown aside as
worthless.
Leadville, as town, only dates back
few months, but to-day is one of the
best mining camps in the country and
can boast of population Of 5000,
with another 5000 tributary TO it 100
miles off in the Rocky Mountain ran
ges. II is indeed q wonderful country
The rich silver ores are found on all
sides. embracing perhaps an area of Is
or 20 miles square; indeed, the whole
basin of the Arkansas seems TO be n
rich deposit OF the precious metals
Here two mighty rivers take their rise,
the Platte, running north, and the Ar
kansas, running south. Writing OF
the rapid growth OF the town / can
compare Leadville to nothing but a
beehive; the busy bees are the miners,
swarming through the gulch and over
the surrounding hills busily searching
for the hidden treasures which lie
buried here. The town can boast Of
two good 3-story hotels, two theaters.
n score or more of mercantile houses;
indeed, al kinds OF business Is well
represented, and some perhaps over
done for the present.
The smelling aud sampling works
occupy large tract of ground aud are
what might be called the backbone OF
this thriving camp. There is only one
large smelter running at present, brit
before 60 days we shall have at least
three in active operation. There are
three sampling works in iull blast
These sort and classify the ores and
buy all that will pay 10 ship, thus max
ing a good market for the miners and
producers. There are at least Is good
paying mines in this camp now taking
out thousands Of dollars per cay; one
mine alone, last week, taking out ss.-
600 worth Of sand, with only force Of
six men. These ores, which look like
yellow sand and sandstone, run from
$50 to 81, 900 per ton. The high grade
ores are shipped in small canvas bags
to Colorado Springs, the nearest rail-
road point, and from there by rail to
st. Louis.
Sunday in Leadville is by far the
liyeliest day in the week. All the boys
from the mines come down TO town to
have good time. Bands Of music
are playing in the streets, and the
theaters and gambling houses are in
full blast. Perhaps it would not be
far out Of place 10 say that here the
Sabbath belongs TO the people instead
Of the Lord; though hardly think il
would be a good field for missionaries,
as the the people here have too much
% think about in this world without
concerning themselves about the next.
The arrivals in Leadyille now average
thirty per day, and the town is boHnd
to be q second Virginia City. New
comeIs are surprised at the splendid
wagon roads all through the noun.
tains, and the roads around Leadyille
are no exception to the rule. One OF
the best roads ever saw is from here
TO Twin Lakes, distant about Ia miles.
After crossing the Arkansas the road
runs along the high bluffs till its wind.
ing and gradual ascent carry you on
top of n high hill which overlooks she
lakes. From this point the view il
truly grand, and the matchless lakes
appear in all the beauty Of their sur.
roundinss. They lay in beautiful
little valley and so close TO the huge
mountains on the west that their snowy
slopes run down into the clear cold
waters Of the upper lake. These lakes
are the home and breeding-ground ol
the front; it is said that the supply i,
inexhaustible; be that as il may, they
are fshed out by the hundreds o
pounds every week, and the supply
seems 10 increase instead Of diminish
Tourists flock here during July ant
August. and large hotel is now being
talked Of TO accommodate the increas
2 ing travel.
One word OF advice before closinJ
: this long letter. and that is, don't le
. my glowing description Of Leadvill,
D and surroundings tempt anyone 3,
leave good home and situation /,
J. come here. Life in the Rocky Nom
. tsins might not suit every one. and be
4 sides il is too late 10 come here with
: out some capital. The country is vel
4 filed mp now, aud scarcely bit O
ground for miles around that is M
4 claimed; plenty Of poor claims are 4
= the market at low price, but the goo
ones bring exhorbitant prices. On
3 mine not long ago sold for gas, ,0OC
r and the owners Of the Iron mine hay
J, = lately refused 800. 900 for their propel
= ~. Will write you further Of N
n growth aud prosperity OF our vid.