The Wichita Mountain Gold Rush (Actual Locations Today)

This is a video that covers the old mining days of the Wichita Mountains, from 400 years ago to current day. We discuss the history of mining, the boom of the 1900's, and the death of mining just a few years later. We also visit several actual old mining locations by drone and several actual locations on the ground. Most stories were taken out of Steve Wilson's Oklahoma Treasures and Treasure Tales.

Historic mining locations that can be visited:
Gold Bell Mine - 34.79051, -98.97009
Copper Eagle Camp / Bonanza Mine - 34.71862, -98.72061
Ison's Mining Area - 34.70252, -98.74613
Hardin Copper Mines - 34.75780, -98.57030
Golden Pass Ghost Town - 34.70807, -98.59854
Camp Homestead / Pearson Mine - 34.69670, -98.56500

Please leave any relics that you find. As the years go on, there is less and less remaining of this history. Please consider subscribing to this channel. Over 95% of our viewers aren't subscribed. Thank you for viewing our video!

[conradnelson]

I live about 60 miles from Wichita mountains. I love to go to meers and get a hamburger. I had always heard there was a history of mining in the area, but I didn’t realize it was so extensive. Thank you for a wonderful tour.

[SnakesonthePlains]

It’s incredible to think what that place looked like 100 years ago. Lots of changes. I enjoyed this one, as always! Keep up the great work!

[paulas]

This was fun! We live in north Texas and go to the Wichita Mountains often. I never knew there was gold mining there.

[lewisbhall]

Just truly amazing. I grew up climbing around the Wichitas and STILL go there every time I return to Oklahoma. Your videos open up so much that I never had a clue about. I am 70 now but would love to go exploring with you and the boys. Hiked up Elk just this year before sunup. Thank you so so very much for your videos

[markgift]

Thanks for this video. I love to visit this area of Oklahoma.

[arbucklejawa]

Great work, narration and research as always !

[hikergal]

Thanks for your video, as always stellar information. I love the research you do.

[ToddAutry]

So so cool. Man everything you out out these days is amazing.

[BigfootandMore]

I really enjoy all your videos about this area.

[OutdoorsWithJohnUSA]

Wow what a great video! I really enjoy the history you provided. I have never been to this part of the country, but I found this video fascinating.

[joska]

Great video, keep them coming. Thanks

[charlessavoie]

Some splendid scenery. I've camped there, hiked there, I never knew till now there was any gold and silver there (and copper). Oklahoma often gets sold short as a place to tour because people aren't aware of what's there. Mount Scott is their answer to Pikes Peak, with a paved road up to the top. Doris Campground was OK.

[ronsaunders]

I was stationed at Ft.Sill early 80s great fishing in the refuge.I will be going there in the spring.

[rounduprodeo]

Watching a second time. Good stuff. ❤

[timebert]

Yooo I was hiking there one day and say that exact same arastra at 10:54 and it was a mystery to me ever since so thanks for giving me closure finally lol

[OklahomaHistoryLegends]

Great video! I never knew about the Declaration of Taking Act of 1931.

I'm up in Moore so if you ever wanna run a Gold Cube or hunt down some Spanish clues, gimme a shout!

EDIT: Poor Silas. Going to Korea and having his cabin bulldozed to the ground. Every time I pass by Fort Sill, I'll be sure to give 'em the finger for Silas.

[RichardGeiszler]

Further west along Hwy 62 nearing the Snyder exit there is a simple, short shaft in a rocky pasture area.

[billwilson-esyn]

Those are remains of the Amarillo -Whicita Mountain Range that were part of the Ancestral Rocky Mountains. Those are shown on geologic maps as highlands. Those predated the Marathon-Ouachhita- Appalachian Mountain chain.

[jaywatts]

i own -20 ac in the panola mountains with a stream running tru the middle of it. i just wonder may need to go spend the weekend digging and paning.

[tbjohnson]

I am a descendent of white settlers of the area - Devils Canyon specifically. One of our many family stories is my great uncle Emmitt selling old Spanish conquistador helmets, etc.. while my great grandparents were away from the ranch.