Fort Steele Mining Collection Database - Placer Mining
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Introduction


The Fort Steele Mining Collection consists of 17 metres of textual records that are held in the Fort Steele Archives. These records document in detail the continued exploration and development of the mining industry in East Kootenay from just after the 1864 gold rush on Wild Horse Creek to 1975. There is minute detail on the various European and Chinese companies on Wild Horse Creek, as well as the later gold rush on Perry Creek. Base information on the later Elk Valley coal rushes and the Kimberley excitement over lead and zinc is also contained in this collection.

The Placer Mining Database which is presented here contains information taken predominantly from the official documents such as: Applications for Mining Leases; Leases; Applications for Record of Placer Claim; Affidavits of Development of Work; Certificates of Work; Notice to Group; Notice to Consolidate; etc. The hand written record books that are found in the Placer Mining Series of the Fort Steele Mining Collection are also included. The database was developed to meet the need for quick access to the large volume of the paper record.

Continue to the Search!
This database will be of use to anyone interested in locating information on early family members or doing research on particular mining claims. Genealogical researchers will be able to place a person in a specific geographical location at a specific point in time. Geological researchers will be able to locate the history of work performed on specific claims. The search information has been entered under the following categories:
  • Personal Name
  • Company Name
  • Lease/Claim name
  • Geographical Location
  • Free Miner's Certificate Number
  • Metal Tag Number
  • Date (as on the affidavit)

This work has been made possible through the financial support of the following agencies, and the Fort Steele Archives is very appreciative of their support:


The Fort Steele Archives is currently seeking sponsorship for the construction of the Mineral Locations Database. Individuals, agencies or businesses interested in forwarding this work should contact the Curator.
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