In Australia Gulch, on the north face of Bald Mountain, sits a hardrock mine with the captivating name of Sallie Barber. Was Sallie the wife, girl friend, daughter, or mother of prospector and Missourian J.H. Johnston, who, in 1880, discovered the lode and bestowed the name? The mine's primary yield was zinc; silver also was mined. Neither was in sufficient quantity to make the operation successful.
The Sallie Barber Mine is significant to Summit County as an example of a small but relatively long-time producer of zinc, from 1880 to 1911 and then during World War I. Prior to its abandonment after the war, the mine consisted of a shafthouse that contained a two-way bell system, a boiler, engines, a hoisting and pumping plant, a 365-ft. shaft with a manway and three levels. Farther down the road is another lode mine, the Little Sallie Barber. It had a 300-ft. shaft.
Interpretive signage, remnants of the old mine including the headframe and tipple and spectacular views afforded by the mine's location at the top of Barney Ford Hill vie for the visitor's attention.
Directions: The Sallie Barber Mine is located near Breckenridge in the mountains 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 to a three-way intersection. At the junction, turn right onto a wide dirt/gravel road. Wind along the left side of French Gulch, passing the Wellington Mine on the left at about 2.6 miles and then the remains of Lincoln Townsite at 4.1 miles. The road narrows, passing a fork to Humbug Hill on the left. Just beyond this spur, take a road that forks right and drops to a stream. Climb for about a mile to the high point and Sallie Barber Mine. The mine's headframe and other mine equipment are clearly visible on the right side of the road.