Gold and Turquoise - New Mexico Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

The prominent hills to the east and to the left are the Cerrillos Hills, site of ancient turquoise mines worked by the Indians before the arrival of the Spanish. The Cerrillos ("little hills" in Spanish") are regarded as the oldest mining district in the United States, and New Mexico is a major producer.

First gold placer mining west of the Mississippi began with the discovery of the precious metal in the rugged Ortiz Mountains south of here in 1828, 21 years before the California gold rush. Since then, the district has produced more than 99,000 ounces of placer gold. Gold is currently produced from lode deposits.

Elevation: 6,200 feet

Link to History,Plaque or Sign:: [Web Link] History:: Not listed Additional Point: Not Listed

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