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The Country Boy Mine is one of only two mines in the Breckenridge area to survive and prosper in the transition
from the Gold Rush days to modern times (the other mine is the Washington, the Summit Historical Society interpretive site in nearby
Illinois Gulch). Today, the Country Boy is a privately-owned attraction open to the public for underground tours, gold panning,
burro riding, and general good times.
The "original" Country Boy was developed in 1887 as an important silver, lead, zinc, and gold producer. The mine apparently operated on a fairly regular basis until at least the mid-1890s, shipping its high-grade ore to Denver for smelting. After a brief disappearance from public records such as the newspapers of the time, the mine became active again from about 1902 to just before World War I.
Electricity was installed to power the lights, water pumps, ventilation systems, and drilling equipment in 1905. Impressive strikes of zinc, lead, and silver ore were made in 1906 resulting in the mine's output being shipped to a smelter in Kansas. The mine was listed as a "steady producer" of zinc and silver ore in a 1909 U.S. government report but seems to have faded from the public eye once again as World War I approached. In the 1940s, the mine was allowed, by the U.S. government, to remain in production as most gold mines in the country were shut down as being "non-strategic". The Country Boy produced vital zinc for the war effort until 1945 when it was shut down due to flooding.
Today, the mine "mines" a different resource - the year-round visitors to the Summit County area, the result of development efforts by private owners
which began in the mid-1990s. To arrange for a tour of the Country Boy or to participate in the many other activities at the mine, call 970-453-4405.
And tell them that the Summit Historical Society sent you!
You can also visit their website by clicking here.
Directions: The Country Boy Mine is located near Breckenridge in French Gulch to the east of the town. From Blue River Plaza on Main Street proceed north (toward Frisco) two blocks; turn right (east)
onto Wellington Road toward French Gulch and follow the road for about one mile to the intersection with Reiling Road.
At the intersection, bear right onto a wide dirt/gravel road for about one mile. The Country Boy is clearly visible on the right
side of the road and is well marked with a sign. Turn right onto a short dirt driveway to the mine.
