This fascinating lot pertains to the Cripple Creek gold rush of the 1890s - one of the last great rushes in Colorado. In 1890, gold was discovered in this area, and the population exploded from 500 in 1890 to 10,000 in 1893. Particularly noteworthy during this rush was the haul of the Independence Mine, which extracted over 200,000 ounces of gold from 1893-99 ($260M in today's dollars). Included with the lot are three maps with mining claims, a mining company prospectus with foldout panorama, and a mining deed all related to this gold-rich region.

A. Map of Cripple Creek Gold Mining District, by John W. Proudfit & Co., dated 1895, black & white (8.8 x 11.4"). Condition: Light toning along the fold lines, scattered foxing, and both a 4" fold separation and a 3" edge tear that have been closed on verso with archival tape. (B)

B. Map of Cripple Creek Mining District, by U.S. Geological Survey, from Sixteenth Annual Report Part II, circa 1896, black & white (9.2 x 12.4"). Condition: Fine. (A+)

C. Topographic Map of the Cripple Creek District, Colorado, by U.S. Geological Survey, dated 1903, printed color (15.6 x 18.0"). Condition: Fine. (A+)

D. [Panoramic Photo of Cripple Creek in Mining Prospectus], by the Battle Mountain Consolidated Gold Mining Company, dated 1896, black & white (21.1 x 5.4"). Condition: Light wear along the fold lines with a few fold separations that have been closed on verso with archival tape. (B+)

E. Mining Deed, from E.B. Thomas to W.H. Ashton, dated 1896, black & white (9.4 x 5.7"). For the transfer of the "Aetna Lode" mine. Signed, stamped and dated by the notary public Edward W. Sebben. Condition: There are two short splits at fold intersections with tiny loss of image. (B+)

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Issued folding. See description above for additional details.