Clearwater Historical Museum
Clearwater Historical Museum, Orofino, Idaho

Welcome to our local history
Come visit the museum to learn more

Gold Rush History

Captain E.D. Pierce heard that gold could be found on the prairie above the Clearwater River, so he and a group of men quietly entered the Nez Perce Reservation in search of it. Canal Gulch held the first discovery. Miners came by the hundreds to look for gold even though they were not supposed to enter the reservation. Pierce City and Oro Fino City were established in 1861 and the rush was on. As gold became more difficult to mine, claims were sold to the Chinese who were more patient miners. Oro Fino City burned down in 1867 and was not rebuilt.

Washington Territory established Shoshone County to cover the mining area that was growing quickly.

Exhibits Include:

  • Mining stamp mill used for 
    crushing rock to get the gold out

  • Small tools

  • Chinese items used for mining in the area

  • Photos

Many Chinese came to Idaho as gold miners. They were not always treated with justice. See their stories at the Clearwater Historical Museum.
Envelope with letter from China to Pierce City, Idaho.

These antique mining scales were used during the Gold Rush of the 1860s. Thousands of miners flooded into Idaho looking to make their fortune.
Mining scales

 

Clearwater Historical Museum has a vast collection of mining tools including this interesting miner's candle.

Miner's candle

 The Chinese worked the mines and many stayed to help build the railroads. China Town could be found on the outskirts of many gold rush towns.

Chinese Book

 Mining was hard work and the tools were often crude. Winters in Pierce can be cruel and yet the promise of gold kept the men hopeful.

Miners

Mining claim record for Spokane County in 1861This is a claim found in a mining record for Spokane County, Territory of Washington, 1861.

[ Nez Perce Indians ] [ Gold Rush History ] [ Logging ] [ Lewis & Clark ]

Become a member of the Clearwater Historical Society--0nly $5 per year

 

Hours: 1:30pm to 4:30pm Tuesday-Saturday (Oct. 1 - May 31)
  1:30pm to -5:30pm Tuesday - Saturday (June 1 - Sept. 30)

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Clearwater Historical Museum
315 College Ave.
P.O. Box 1454
Orofino, ID 83544-1454
(208) 476-5033
Email: info@clearwatermuseum.org

Supported by cash donations and donations of artifacts. All exhibits are donations from the area

Web Site paid for by Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Museums Initiative

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