Unidentified miner's diaries

Unidentified miner's diaries, 1865-1867

Overview of the Collection

Title: Unidentified miner's diaries
Dates: 1865-1867 (inclusive)
18651867
Quantity: 0.2 linear ft.
Collection Number: Mss 436
Summary: An unknown miner wrote the three small diaries for the years 1865, 1866, and 1867 as he traveled from Idaho City in southern Idaho through the Beaverhead, Big Hole, and Deer Lodge valleys in Montana Territory.
Repository: University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions: Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana--Missoula.
Languages: English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

This unknown miner left home on March 14, 1859, to join the quest for gold in Pike's Peak. By 1865 the miner was in Idaho City, Idaho, and the following year he moved on to Montana Territory. In 1867 he noted plans to leave Montana in 1868 but did not mention a destination. He worked occasionally for other mining outfits, but was usually self-employed.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The inside cover page of each of the miner's three diaries lists the year's highlights. A very brief list in 1865 is followed by more extensive lists in 1866 and 1867. Many daily entries are descriptions of weather and daily routines like "worked down at the creek" or "went to the city." Other entries reflect the diarist’s recall of past events such as "seven years since I left home."

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document or photograph number], Unidentified Miner's Diaries, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana-Missoula.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

Frontier and pioneer life--Idaho--Idaho City
Frontier and pioneer life--Montana
Miners--Idaho--Diaries
Miners--Montana--Diaries

Geographical Names

Beaverhead Valley (Mont.)
Big Hole River Valley (Mont.)
Deer Lodge Valley (Mont.)
Idaho City (Idaho)

Form or Genre Terms

Diaries--Idaho
Diaries--Montana

Archives West Finding Aid

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