Articles from the Historical Society in Josephine County Oregon

Quartz Mining in Josephine County
by Michael Oaks
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The early miners of Josephine County discovered excellent quartz prospects, but wisely (or unwisely) ignored them. Only the much sought and often found gold pockets were desired. These pockets could be emptied at once, and represented instant wealth.

Josephine County's pocket-hole reputation extended far and wide. It took nearly a half century for the capitalist to become aware that the "coyote diggings" of the pocket hunter, shallow as they were, gave sure indications of more deeply buried treasure, beyond the early miner's shovel handle length -- for that was his limitation.

Both pick and pan method as well as placer uncovered most of the great producing quartz mines of Josephine County. Since quartz mines required much more money and labor to extract the gold, it was necessary to find a capitalist to invest in the property or purchase it outright. ... Continued - Page 2

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