The Wichita Mountain Gold Rush (Actual Locations Today)

The Wichita Mountain Gold Rush (Actual Locations Today)

This is a video that covers the old mining days of the Wichita Mountains, from 400 years ago to current day. We discuss the history of mining, the boom of the 1900’s, and the death of mining just a few years later. We also visit several actual old mining locations by drone and several actual locations on the ground. Most stories were taken out of Steve Wilson’s Oklahoma Treasures and Treasure Tales.

Devil’s Canyon History Video: https://youtu.be/AuEP9JOeTDs

Steve Wilson’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Oklahoma-Treasures-Treasure-Tales-Wilson/dp/0806121742

Historic mining locations that can be visited:
Gold Bell Mine – 34.79051, -98.97009
Copper Eagle Camp / Bonanza Mine – 34.71862, -98.72061
Ison’s Mining Area – 34.70252, -98.74613
Hardin Copper Mines – 34.75780, -98.57030
Golden Pass Ghost Town – 34.70807, -98.59854
Camp Homestead / Pearson Mine – 34.69670, -98.56500

Please leave any relics that you find. As the years go on, there is less and less remaining of this history. Please consider subscribing to this channel. Over 95% of our viewers aren’t subscribed. Thank you for viewing our video!

21 Comments

  1. Kody Dennison on May 23, 2023 at 7:23 am

    This was an a awesome video

  2. Tim Ebert on May 23, 2023 at 7:31 am

    Yooo I was hiking there one day and say that exact same arastra at 10:54 and it was a mystery to me ever since so thanks for giving me closure finally lol

  3. Charles Savoie on May 23, 2023 at 7:34 am

    Some splendid scenery. I’ve camped there, hiked there, I never knew till now there was any gold and silver there (and copper). Oklahoma often gets sold short as a place to tour because people aren’t aware of what’s there. Mount Scott is their answer to Pikes Peak, with a paved road up to the top. Doris Campground was OK.

  4. The Angry Atrox on May 23, 2023 at 7:36 am

    So so cool. Man everything you out out these days is amazing.

  5. Outdoors With John on May 23, 2023 at 7:50 am

    Wow what a great video! I really enjoy the history you provided. I have never been to this part of the country, but I found this video fascinating.

  6. Lewis Hall on May 23, 2023 at 7:54 am

    Just truly amazing. I grew up climbing around the Wichitas and STILL go there every time I return to Oklahoma. Your videos open up so much that I never had a clue about. I am 70 now but would love to go exploring with you and the boys. Hiked up Elk just this year before sunup. Thank you so so very much for your videos

  7. Snakes on the Plains on May 23, 2023 at 7:55 am

    It’s incredible to think what that place looked like 100 years ago. Lots of changes. I enjoyed this one, as always! Keep up the great work!

  8. Mike F. on May 23, 2023 at 7:56 am

    Amazing video! Great history lesson also. I hope your son got a ride home; probably not a lot of cars went by while he was
    hitch hiking.

  9. jay watts on May 23, 2023 at 7:56 am

    i own -20 ac in the panola mountains with a stream running tru the middle of it. i just wonder ?????? may need to go spend the weekend digging and paning.

  10. Rusty Shackleford on May 23, 2023 at 7:58 am

    Love your content. Just moved out to this area 7 months ago. Went out to the bonanza mine last weekend.

  11. Bigfoot and More on May 23, 2023 at 7:58 am

    I really enjoy all your videos about this area.

  12. Joe McGee on May 23, 2023 at 8:01 am

    Good job boys!

  13. Hikergal63 on May 23, 2023 at 8:04 am

    Thanks for your video, as always stellar information. I love the research you do.

  14. Smetlogik Herping on May 23, 2023 at 8:04 am

    165K people?!?! Back in those days? That is a TON of people in one small area. The mining game was strong in OK. Bummer about the Silas story, they duped him pretty good. A lot of work went into this vid, I can tell. Nice slice of history right there.

  15. TB Johnson on May 23, 2023 at 8:05 am

    I am a descendent of white settlers of the area – Devils Canyon specifically. One of our many family stories is my great uncle Emmitt selling old Spanish conquistador helmets, etc.. while my great grandparents were away from the ranch.

  16. Kiegal Tugball on May 23, 2023 at 8:08 am

    Dude turn the music down a little bit I can barely hear you talkin…

  17. Arbuckle Jawa on May 23, 2023 at 8:08 am

    Great work, narration and research as always !

  18. Blake Batchelor on May 23, 2023 at 8:09 am

    Great vid!!

  19. RoundupRodeo on May 23, 2023 at 8:09 am

    Watching a second time. Good stuff. ❤

  20. rogeremeadows on May 23, 2023 at 8:15 am

    Excellent!

  21. John Skaggs on May 23, 2023 at 8:15 am

    Great video, keep them coming. Thanks

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