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Boom or Bust: Mining and the Opening of the American West

22 minutes 27 seconds
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Group of settlers wearing cowboy clothing next to a covered wagon with others in cowboy clothing on horseback in the background. Caption. Were traders and gold seekers.

The lure of instant wealth attracted settlers to California, Colorado, Arizona, and Alaska. While only a few became rich, the discovery of gold, silver, and copper spurred the frontier economy, creating settlements, bringing merchants, and helping to expand the railroad system. Discusses placer and underground mining. Uses old photos and reenactments.

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Runtime: 22 minutes 27 seconds

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