Gwin Mine was posted by an anonymous author who wrote, “It was once the fostoria mine & then asenator bought it. It is really neat & is what started me on my journey of this history”.
The Gwin Mine began operating in 1850 and continued off and on until 1946. With several surface shafts and an operating depth to 2533′. Surface prospecting continued into the 60’s. Producing 6-7 million dollars in period values. The mines ownership changed several times over the years but I could not find reference to the Fostoria or the Asenator the poster mentioned.
In 2012 Joe Pitto planned to sell the mine which he inherited 1/3 from his mother for the sum of $8,000,000.00. The mine was featured on Century 21’s website. He estimated it would take 20-50 million to get the mine operating again and the mine would produce for 50 years before exhausting the vein.
Looks like a great trip I will certainly ad to my to do list. Satellite photos show ruins at the push pin and more ruins further south up the gulch. US GS Topo indicates numerous nearby vertical and horizontal shafts.
4 Comments
The only thing that survives is a concrete pad where the main shaft used to be and some concrete walls from the winch house. Your pin is actually north of the actual location. Mine shaft on right of road, winch on left. You can almost see everything there from the map.
The pin is placed over the main vertical shaft shown on USGS historical topo. Also at the pin at that location ERSI aerial imagery shows ruins of some sort. ERSI aerial shows what looks like a shaft color south of the pin near the road. Perhaps the USGS topo is off a bit. Wouldn’t be the first time. I added the topo to images.
I have been to this mine many times, my mother lives nearby in Valley Springs. I understand the Gwin had several surface shafts. The white concrete foundation approx. 200 meters south of the green pin is still there and appears to be a capped off shaft. Does anyone know where the other shaft(s) are? The foundation where the green pin is appears to be the remains of the stamp mill, not a shaft. Thanks!
Hi Matt, I’m interested in heading up there and looking around for some samples off the surface. Any recommendations for good spots to explore?