Notice the sign says 1875 and most people say 1876 is when the mining boom began in the Black Hills. This area was primarily known for silver mining. Deadwood seemed to have silver mining on both sides with gold being the primary metal in Deadwood. Nearly 50 mines operated in this area along with 10 saloons to keep the thirsty miners satisfied.
Assayer let you know if your claim was going to be worth anything. Silver was going for $1 per ounce and one mine, the "Noname Mine," assayed at $85.50 a ton which may or may not be accurate.
As you travel into these old mining towns the trees have reclaimed much the once bare hillsides. If you enlarge this shot you'll see posts in the center of the image. This is all that remains of the Methodist Church in Galena. The train ran slightly below but across the front of the church location. There was also a Catholic Church in town. The Methodist Church took up a collection to pay for their building and the minister was never seen again.
Something to remember about mining booms, most of the men were single so boarding houses were where most of the miners took their meals. If I correctly recall, Galena had 3-4 operating at any one time.
There are other buildings besides the ones I have pictured. It will be worth another trip back. You travel to Galena from Rt. 385 on a gravel road.
Notice the sign says 1875 and most people say 1876 is when the mining boom began in the Black Hills. This area was primarily known for silver mining. Deadwood seemed to have silver mining on both sides with gold being the primary metal in Deadwood. Nearly 50 mines operated in this area along with 10 saloons to keep the thirsty miners satisfied. 
Assayer let you know if your claim was going to be worth anything. Silver was going for $1 per ounce and one mine, the "Noname Mine," assayed at $85.50 a ton which may or may not be accurate.
As you travel into these old mining towns the trees have reclaimed much the once bare hillsides. If you enlarge this shot you'll see posts in the center of the image. This is all that remains of the Methodist Church in Galena. The train ran slightly below but across the front of the church location. There was also a Catholic Church in town. The Methodist Church took up a collection to pay for their building and the minister was never seen again.
Something to remember about mining booms, most of the men were single so boarding houses were where most of the miners took their meals. If I correctly recall, Galena had 3-4 operating at any one time.
There are other buildings besides the ones I have pictured. It will be worth another trip back. You travel to Galena from Rt. 385 on a gravel road.
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