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Deadmans Gulch,Dakota - c1876 - Deadmans Gulch Gold Panning Photograph *Territorial* :

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Photographic Images Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 600.00 USD
Deadmans Gulch,Dakota - c1876 - Deadmans Gulch Gold Panning Photograph *Territorial* :
A view of three miners, one a young man, panning for gold. Image measures 9" x 7 1/2", mounted on white linen matte measuring 12" x 9". Contrast is medium to high, while focus is good. The faces of the two miners facing the camera can be seen clearly. The image is pulling away from the matte, with several 1/2" tears in the image noted, one repaired by tape on the face. The matte has several areas of discoloration along the edges, otherwise very fine. The image shows two miners panning for gold, while a third, younger miner stands above the river on a sluice box, holding a shovel. Printed at the bottom right corner: "Miners Panning Out Gold At Deadmans Gulch, Black Hills, Dakota." Just below appears to be the name Coules, possibly a partner to McBride, who produced stereoviews in Deadwood, Dakota Territory [Ref: Mautz, 1997]. While homesteading, settling, and railroad construction were all underway in eastern South Dakota in 1857, the Black Hills area was still part of Indian Country. The area was initially mapped by military reconnaissance in 1856, but Lt. Col. George A. Custer began a rush to the Black Hills when gold was discovered during his 1874 expedition. Over the next 15 years the Hills were “civilized” by settlements, railroads, industry and agriculture, leaving the native peoples of Dakota relegated to “reservations” [Ref: blackhillsbadlands.com].