Hey all, I was wondering if you all could recommend some books on mining history and mining labor history. Colorado is what I'm really aiming for but I understand some resources will be relevant that and will help me enjoy my research that aren't Colorado specific. I appreciate this page so much!
You'll find anything by Duane Smith to be extremely useful: he's one of the leading authorities on mining history, and he is based in Colorado, so he has written a lot on that state. Thomas Noel is also an authority on all things Colorado, although his work includes things other than mining - but I recommend him. Otis Young is a classic, comprehensive Western mining history authority. So his work will be useful to you generically.
I hope that helps.
I believe I have a couple links that are relevant, this first one is an the text and brief examination of an article published in Frank Leslies Illustrated Paper detailing the conditions of Early Auraria and the process for placer mining with a "rocker"
https://www.wewattarow.com/post/denver-city-k-t
this next link is to a digital archive that houses the books 'Letters of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush' and 'The Barker Diary'; under the "books" heading. These books provide a look into the European pioneer experience of the Pike Peak gold rush.
https://www.wewattarow.com/library
also, these guys should be able to provide some good info from the Mountain Mining perspective.
https://www.crestedbutte-co.gov/?SEC=F5DE677C-3C31-4EF8-BC84-006F489F66D3
Happy digging!✌😉