🚩 The RICH and Deadly History of Park City, Utah

So the story goes...

Park City, Utah was originally founded as a Silver mining community and was founded back in 1868 by soldiers from the Salt Lake City area while out searching for silver. Miners came from across the United States via the newly constructed Transcontinental railroad.

As told my the museum guides, life was tough back in the mining days. The companies that owned the mines made the bulk of the income, of course, at the expense of the health and well-being of the miners doing the heavy lifting. Throughout its productive operational time, the mines under Park City brought in over $50 million from the rich silver ore.

Actual mining carts and lift cages are on display to show how tight and dangerous the working conditions were before they even got down to the mines to begin digging.

A Miner's Commute Miners packed in tightly into small cages before descending the narrow vertical shafts. There was little side clearance and tired or careless miners who accidentally leaned out could lose and arm or be decapitated. Occasionally, hoist cables broke and miners plunged to their death.

A view from the top of the mechanical rigging that operated the mine lifts and cages.

The Power of Superstition Dangers for miners began before they even stepped off the cage, so many believed certain actions needed to be avoided to prevent bad luck. According to superstition, whistling drove away the "good spirit," and cave-ins were more likely to occur between midnight and 4:00 a.m. Park City miners avoided announcing their last day of work in the mines for fear they would be injured or killed on their last shift.

Armed carriages from Union Pacific were used to secure funds during transport from the local banks.

In time, new life was born into this sleepy town as Skiing and Winter Sports grew in popularity. The greater Salt Lake City area of Utah, including Park City, have become the nations most sought after ski terrain in the country.

There is a lot more to discover in the Park City Museum including the original below ground jail, and the remnants of the old fire house that makes up part of the new building structure. The original town most mostly burnt to the ground in a fire around 100 years ago.

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