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< Mining Intro | Image: 1 2 3 > |
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Mining the West
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William B. Parsons The New Gold Mines of Western Kansas and Nebraska, being a complete Description of the newly Discovered Gold Mines, the different routes, camping places, tools and outfit and containing everything important for the emigrant and miner to know. Cincinnati: Geo. S. Blanchard, 1859 NYPL, Humanities and Social Sciences Library, Map Division |
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"GOLD! GOLD!! GOLD!!!" screams one of these advertisements from an 1859 guidebook to the gold mines of Kansas (actually the Pike's Peak, Denver, area of Colorado today). Useful clothing and equipment for miners is available from these outfitters, who can supply all needs for daily existence in the mines, from blankets, caps, and boots to groceries (except whisky!). "Fillibuster hats" are offered to miners headed out to this disputed territory. "Fillibusters" were men who attempted to stir up trouble and promote independence for countries and territories beyond U.S. borders, both with and without the knowledge and approval of the U.S. government. The targets of such activity included Spanish Florida, Texas, California, and even Nicaragua. Because these miners in the Rockies had illegally established their own government, in the "Territory of Jefferson," outside the rules set up by Congress, they were considered "fillibusters." The term later came to describe a Congressional debate tactic. |
