Hercules Mining District (Utah). Recorder

Entity: 3138
Entity Type: Mining District

Abstract

Miners with claims located north and south of the Goshen Wagon Road Pass in the Sheeprock Mountains of southeast Tooele County organized the Hercules Mining District on 18 January 1895. The development of the cyanide process in the early 1890s, and the construction of the first commercial cyanide mill in Mercur greatly enhanced the profitability of gold mining, stimulating mining activity, and prompting the organization of several new mining districts. These districts was organized according to federal law which states that mineral deposits in the public domain are free and open to exploration, and locators of the same have exclusive right of possession. In 1897 the Utah Legislature enacted a mining law, which transferred responsibility for keeping mining records to county recorders.

Biography/History Notes

In accordance with federal guidelines, mining districts adopted by-laws to regulate mining activity in the district and elected recorders to keep records of claims. Prospectors in the Hercules District were required record a notice of location within 30 days of discovery and to sink a 4-foot shaft within 40 days. Some prominent mines were the Lion Lode, the Yellow Boy Mine, and the Blue Jay Mine.

The mining district recorder was elected from among the miners of the district for a one year term. He was allowed to collect for his services the same fees which were allowed to the Tooele County recorder.

The recorder appointed a deputy to assist him as needed. In 1897 the Utah Legislature enacted a mining law which transferred responsibility for keeping mining records to county recorders. (Laws of Utah, 1897, chapter 36, "Mining Claims"). The mining records of the Hercules District were transferred to the office of the Tooele County recorder.

Hierarchy

Hercules Mining District (Utah). Recorder