Idaho Springs, Colorado

At one time, Idaho Springs was so prosperous that the 14,000 citizens enjoyed electricity in their homes, before even Denver had it.

On January 5, 1859, George Jackson made the first substantial discovery of placer gold at the confluence of Chicago Creek and Clear Creek (where Idaho Springs is now). Jackson was drawn to the area by clouds of steam rising from the nearby hot springs (which are the springs Idaho Springs is named for). The placer discoveries were soon followed by the findings of gold veins in the rock walls on both sides of Clear Creek Canyon. Hard rock mining in the canyon went on long after the placer discoveries were depleted.