Restoring the Historic Headframe of Winfield Scott Stratton's Independence Mine

Photo Gallery of Historic Underground Gold Mines Near Victor

Before the advent of large scale surface mining, the landscape of the Mining District between Victor and Cripple Creek was dotted with the relics and ruins of four to five hundred underground gold mines that employed thousands of miners all living within a short trolley ride or walking distance from the mines. This photo gallery provides a glimpse of what once was, and what still remains of the more prominent historic underground gold mines near Victor, Colorado.

RESTORING THE HISTORIC HEADFRAME OF STRATTON’S INDEPENDENCE MINE
Photos Contributed by Shirley Beach, December 2017

After nearly 125 years of standing tall, the historic headframe of Winfield Scott Stratton's Independence Mine was laid down on the ground in the Fall of 2017 for strengthening and restoration. The restoration project should ensure the historic headframe will be preserved to commemorate the site of Winfield Scott Stratton's mine that made him the first millionaire in the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District and spurred the development of numerous other major gold producing mines on Battle Mountain.
The series of photos below were taken and contributed by Shirley Beach during the week of December 12, 2017. The photos document the amazing process of re-erecting the restored and strengthened headframe for Independence Mine. For a closer view--CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE.

Stratton's Independence Mine

Winfield Scott Stratton staked his claim for the Independence Mine on July 4, 1891 in the newly formed Cripple Creek Mining District on the southern slope of Battle Mountain not far from where the City of Victor would soon after be established.

CLICK HERE for LaJean Greeson's Story About the Discovery, Development, Sale, and Eventual Closure of Stratton's Independence Mine. Numerous historic photos accompany the story.

About The Photographer

Shirley Beach is a life-long resident of Victor. Shirley's career of public service includes the elected positions of Teller County Clerk & Recorder and Victor City Clerk-Treasurer. Her knowledge of the Mining District and the people who are part of its heritage is extensive. She currently volunteers as the Oral History Coordinator for the Victor Heritage Society, and has contributed a story about her parents, Betzi & Axel Olson, to the Oral History Pages of the VHS web site.

The following series of photos, taken by Shirley Beach during the week of December 21, 2017, show the next phase of the restoration process -- reattachment of the slanted back braces to the Independence Mine Headframe. Originally these braces (battle posts) also provided a ladder for accessing the top of the headframe.

The day started cold and overcast with snow flurries, but eventually the sun broke through the clouds. At this point the brace is still held in place by a sling from the crane.

Look closely to see the two teams of the construction crew working to permanently secure the back brace to the headframe near both the top and the bottom.

Closeup of crew working to attach the brace near the top. Click photos to enlarge.

THE PAST MATTERS. PASS IT ALONG. The Next Generation Will Only Inherit What We Choose To Save.

Some people say,
"In a small town there is not much to see, but what you hear makes up for it."
In historic Victor, Colorado there is plenty to see and hear.
Come take a look--and a listen!

Click Here to View the Story of Stratton's Independence Mine

Click Here to View the Story of the Gold Coin Mine--Part of the Woods Empire

Click Here to View the Story of the Vindicator Mine

Click Here to View a Photo Gallery: Historic Victor Residential Gems

Click Here to View a Photo Gallery: Victor Businesses Operating in Historic Structures

Click Here to View a Photo Gallery: This Old Victor House/Building--Then & Now

Click Here to View a Booklet: Guidelines for Preserving Our Architectural Heritage