The 1876 Deadwood Gold Rush led to an influx of mines and miners. Poor safety and health practices led to countless diseases, accidents, and deaths. One of the most common ailments that plagued miners was known as Silicosis, a lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust contains small pieces of crystalline silica.
Available Resource(s):
- Broken Boot Gold Mine * - The Broken Boot Gold Mine is located in Deadwood, South Dakota and offers a 30 minute guided tour and gold panning instruction. Tours are only offered in the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
- Black Hills Mining Museum *
- Big Thunder Gold Mine *
- Information on Silicosis
Image Citation:
“Penny Postcards from South Dakota.” Penny Postcards from South Dakota, USGenWeb Archives, usgwarchives.net/sd/lawrence/postcards/drill.jpg.