In 1872, the three German-born Niegold brothers and their half-brother filed claims on Galena Mountain near Silverton based on the discovery of rich gold ore. They also founded Niegoldstown at the confluence of Cunningham Creek and Stony Gulch along the busy Stony Pass route.
Mine: Old Hundred.
Where: San Juan County, Silverton area.
What: Old Hundred offers tours into the mine's lower level. Original structures accessible by trail perched on high cliff.
Their lavish lifestyle, including hosting the area's only opera performance, led to near bankruptcy forcing the Niegold brothers to sell some of their claims. They hit rock bottom in 1880 when Reinhard Niegold sold his cherished piano that had been laboriously transported by wagon to his home.
The brothers then began mining on Galena Mountain at what was called the Seven Level at well over 12,000 feet and the Five Level, several hundred feet below. Their mining ventures ended five years later.
The Old Hundred Mining Co. was formed in 1904. The company constructed boardinghouses at both upper levels as well as aerial tram stations for transportation of the ore down to a large mill in Cunningham Gulch at the base of the mountain. At this time, an exposed trail was constructed to the Seven Level.
Well after mining had stopped, avalanches and fire destroyed the Five Level boardinghouse, tram station and blacksmith shop. Miraculously, the Seven Level structures survived into modern times.
During the winter of 1983-84, the roof of the Seven Level boardinghouse collapsed. In 1999, the State Historical Fund, Old Hundred Gold Mining Co., San Juan County Historical Society, Bureau of Land Management and the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology stepped in to save the building. Brave carpenters worked on the exposed boardinghouse putting in new rafters and a new roof. All the material had to be air-lifted to the site by helicopter.
The second floor of the boardinghouse had 24 bunks, 12 on each side. The men slept in shifts using the same set of beds.
Downstairs in the dining room were long wooden tables with benches and a generous kitchen. The boardinghouse was used primarily by bachelors while married miners stayed in either Howardsville or Silverton and commuted to work by aerial tram.
The Old Hundred is located on County Road 1A which branches off County Road 2 at Howardsville. By driving beyond the lower mine entrance toward Stony Pass, the Seven Level boardinghouse and tram station can be seen high on the mountainside.
Near Stony Pass, a side road leads to the start of the trail used to reach these structures. The trail, exposed in places, remains at about 12,000 feet for several miles. Just above the boardinghouse, the trail makes a rugged descent.
For information on the Old Hundred mine tour, go to or call 1-800-872-3009. Tours are given daily from May to October.
Kenneth Jessen has been a Loveland resident since 1965. He is an author of 18 books and more than 1,300 articles. He was an engineer for Hewlett-Packard for 33 years and now works as a full-time author, lecturer and guide.