How spooky would it be to transcend time and walk through an 1800's Mining Town? Come and find out... but don't come alone.
On May 17, 1879, Benny T. Hoffman followed Ghost Pine Creek upstream looking for gold. As he moved a large piece of quartz out of the way and began to pan the creek, he discovered what was later called the "The Bennyhoff Lode", and he staked the first of many mining claims in the area. Immediately word got out and prospectors flocked to Ghost Pine. Within months the population grew to 7,000 people seeking their fortunes. |  |
An article in the James River Register described the living conditions at the time: "By the first of July 1879, Ghost Pine was crowded with thousands of people forced to live together in tents, wagons, cabins, dugouts, and houses made of every kind of material that promised shelter."
A proper town was starting to form amid the chaos, as described in the Richmond Daily Telegram:
"Although not three months old, Ghost Pine contains already some 40 buildings, with a population of between 2,800 and 3,000, nearly all of whom are miners. Yet the arts and trades are well represented, they have about 15 stores, 2 jewelry shops, 3 tailor shops, saloons, blacksmiths, undertakers, painters, and one school which doubles as a church on Sundays."
Some of these inhabitants were genuinely intent on building a life in this new town. But... most people who flocked here were seedy individuals intent on becoming rich by whatever means they deemed necessary.
They were abusive, mean murdering varmints... and they left their mark on Ghost Pine visible to this day.
Mining continued in Ghost Pine for many years, but slowly the activity and the population started to taper off. By late November 1890, the snow moved many prospectors into warmer climates. The mine tunnel and equipment, which had been quickly erected with little thought of safety, could not withstand the climate changes and the rigorous and desperate activity over the years. The structure finally gave way, burying over 200 miners in the rubble.
The town of Ghost Pine ceased to exist after the cave-in, save for some miners’ families who were holding onto memories and looking for someone to blame.
They have yet to leave Ghost Pine.
This story, and all names are fictional.
