The Trail of Gold and Silver

Mining in Colorado, 1859-2009 (Timberline Books)

By: Duane A. Smith

Narrated by: Chuck Buell

In The Trail of Gold and Silver, historian Duane A. Smith details Colorado's mining saga - a story that stretches from the beginning of the gold and silver mining rush in the mid-19th century into the 21st century. Gold and silver mining laid the foundation for Colorado's economy, and 1859 marked the beginning of a fever for these precious metals. Mining changed the state and its people forever, affecting settlement, territorial status, statehood, publicity, development, investment, economy, jobs both in and outside the industry, transportation, tourism, advances in mining and smelting technology, and urbanization. Moreover, the first generation of Colorado mining brought a fascinating collection of people and a new era to the region.Written in a lively manner by one of Colorado's preeminent historians, this book honors the 2009 sesquicentennial of Colorado's gold rush. Smith's narrative will appeal to anybody with an interest in the state's fascinating mining history over the past 150 years.

The book is published by University Press of Colorado. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"A superb overview of hard rock mining, a survey which ponders past failures as well as successes." (The Denver Post)

"This book proudly celebrates Colorado's 150 years of mining." (Western Historical Quarterly)

"With his lively style of writing, it will appeal to general readers.." (Colorado Central Magazine)

©2009 University Press of Colorado (P)2022 Redwood Audiobooks

Fascinating History of Colorado Mining

I listen to this on my way up to Colorado from Arizona. The narrator does an amazing job. The book is well researched and full of many facts. The history is presented in a compelling narrative from early mining to modern times. However, the presentation of these facts is done as if one is sitting through a lecture with a professor. I found each chapter compelling and interesting.

Great Read for any Coloradan

I loved the comprehensive history of our Colorado mining and how it shaped today’s landscape. Living in the foothills west of Denver, the mining history about our communities is often superficial at best.