Where did the stereotype of the "Crazy Prospector" come from? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

Where did the stereotype of the "Crazy Prospector" come from?

by abutthole

Often times in pop culture when you see a prospector they're crazy, do jigs when they discover gold, speak in silly voices etc.

Here's an SNL sketch with one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKoIESw1tdM&ab_channel=SaturdayNightLive

I was inspired to write this post after seeing one on The Simpsons.

Where did this idea originate/who was the first "crazy prospector" in pop culture?

v_krishna

This previous answer by /u/itsallfolklore and /u/nada_especial might help. It references two main things - the historical reality, and the media image driven by actor Gabby Hayes.