Independence Mine Historical State Park

Not far from Palmer, exists the scenic Hatcher Pass, named for Robert Lee Hatcher, who in 1906, discovered and staked the first lode gold claim in this valley.


One must head towards the Pass to arrive at the Independence Mine Historical State Park... our destination for today.
In its peak year, 1941, the Independence hard-rock gold mine was home to 206 workers and 16 families who lived high above tree line.

Nearly a dozen miles of tunnels were blasted and it produced 34,416 ounces of gold worth $1,204,560 ($40,208,000 at today's gold values) before the mine shut down in the wake of World War II.

A marmot, oh my!
The abandoned buildings and the surrounding 271 acres became Independence Mine State Historical Park in 1984. Thirteen structures built in the late 1930s and early 1940s remain standing.

Besides really interesting ruins, the Park was home to some beautiful wildflowers.


After a delightful morning of exploring history, we saw today's Only in Alaska- these two signs. Note the evidence of weapons being discharged on the right of the top sign.

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1 comments:

Unknown said...

There always seems to be that someone who disobeys the laws! However the damaged sign does make a statement.

August 20, 2017 at 10:07 AM

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