Oregon Gold & Gems Maps, Then and Now / FREE SHIPPING

"It's gold!", a cry that was responsible for the development of many desolate areas of Oregon that were later to become ghosts of the past.

This publication should prove valuable as a field guide. These maps have been selected from numerous sources. Some of the information from older maps and documents has been transferred to more recent maps of better quality. With the current price of gold increased many fold since the gold rush days of yesteryear, renewed interest is evident by the mining industy as well as the weekend prospector. Research by the beginner is advisable regarding state and federal mining laws, procedures and proper equipment for your project. A visit to your local library will prove valuable and may eliminate costly errors as the beginner learns.

The majority of the information in this publication has been taken from "Gold and Siver in Oregon" Bulletin 61, which was published by the State of Oregon, Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. This publication has been considered to be the most factual information available. Many articles and books have been written concerning the legendary "lost gold" in Oregon. It is possible to read several different versions about the same "lost incident" and one is easily confused while reaching a conclusion as to where to begin looking.

History
Mining of placer gold began in southwestern Oregon in 1850 and in northeastern Oregon in 1862. Gold was the primary reason for the settlement of these two regions. Between 1850 and 1965 gold production was roughly 5.8 million fine ounces and silver was 5.4 million ounces. Sixty percent of this reported production occurred prior to 1900.

Geologically distinct segments of mineralized regions are well displayed on the USGS maps by the shaded areas. This information has been carefully transferred from early maps to a modern map for the readers convenience. Accuracy is not guaranteed because some of the information was taken from maps and documents over 100 years old.

Gold Values and Production
In 1792 the U.S. Treasury Department set the price of gold at $19.393939 per fine troy ounce. This was increased to $20.689658 in June of 1834 but was reduced to $20.671835 in January, 1837. That price remained in effect until 1933. In January, 1934, the price of $35.00 per ounce was established and remained in effect until the late 1900's. With the ever increasing costs of production, mining activities were substantially reduced in this century. The price increase to $35.00 per ounce brought the production up to 149,816 ounces in 1941; however the figure fell to 4,845 ounces in 1962 as it became economically impossible for most companies to continue to operate. The world price increased to $700.00 per ounce in October 1980. The price was fixed at $316.60 per troy ounce in London and $318.00 in Asia as of March 2000. When one considers the price of gold is valued at nine times greater than yesteryear, the hobby must be worthwhile. It is this thought that has been the inspiration for this research project.

Rock Collection
Information may be obtained at the following: U.S. Bureau of Land Manangement, Oregon State Office, 1515 SW 5th Ave., Portland, OR 97201, phone (503) 952-6001. In Oregon, BLM Offices are located in : Baker City, Burns, North Bend, Eugene, Lakeview, Klamath Falls, Salem, Tillamook, Medford, Prineville, Roseburg and Vale.

General Information
A wide variety of rocks, mineral and semi-precious gemstones are available for collecting on 16 million acres of lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Oregon and Washington. Most BLM Lands are open to rock collecting, and some areas, such as the Glass Buttes obsidian area in our Prineville District and a public sunstone area in our Lakeview District, have been specifically set aside for this purpose. collectors should note that there are some restrictions and a BLM permit may be required, depending on the amount of material you collect, how you collect it, where or when you collect, and whether the material will be used commercially.

The compiler extends a warm gratitude to the staff members of the state and federal agencies who were so willing to assist with the reasearch of this information

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All maps in the Gold & Gem and Ghost Town/Sites,Then & Now series are in reclosable envelopes measuring 6.5" by 9.5". The enclosed maps unfold to 17.5" by 23". This is not a book, only maps.