Park City has always experienced growth and transition during its history from small mining town to a ski vacation destination. Because of its rich history, many locals believe it is important to preserve that history.
Currently, and effort is underway to preserve some of the many mining sites located at Park City Mountain Resort.
Just beneath the slopes of the resort is a labyrinth of former Park City mining tunnels. Some of these old tunnels have collapsed, as well as some of the former mining structures. The California-Comstock Mill is one of the main structures that is most in need of repair.
Executive Director of the Park City Historical Society Sandra Morrison, recently said, “We’ve been keeping an eye on this structure for a number of years and trying to convince property owners and city government to get involved.”
Some of the improvements and renovations to the old structures came as a result of Vail taking over the resort. The city put into place some conditions that would be part of the approval for Vail’s plans to improve and add to the resort. For instance, the Quicksilver Gondola and the new Miners Cam restaurant became part of a preservation plan. Vail put $50,000 toward the project, and the newly formed Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History is raising the rest of the money that will be need to preserve the remaining mining sites.
Chief Operating Officer of Park City Mountain Resort Bill Rock stated, “We knew this was a priority for folks here, and obviously part of the rich history of the town, and it’s important to our guests and it’s important to the community, so it’s important to us.”
Park City locals have said that the preservation project has been a long time coming. They say that while the area is known for being a ski resort, the history and background is in mining and it is important to preserve this rich history.
In addition to the preservation of the California-Comstock mill, other plans include the King Con Mine, the Jupiter Mine ore bin, the Silver King Mine, and the Thaynes Mine joist house and conveyor gallery.
It’s interesting to note that one of the contractors performing work on these historic projects is a 4th generation miner. Clark Martinez used to work in the mines, and now he’s helping preserve them.
If you want to know more about the history of the mines in Park City, just let one of our friendly concierge staff know and we will schedule some visits to these historic sites as well as the Park City Historic Museum.
