The North London Mill is historically tied to the operation of the North London Mine. The ore bodies were discovered in 1873, surveyed as the Mother, Paris, London, and Hard to Beat lodes in 1876, and patented in 1878. The North London Mill was constructed on the north side of London Mountain in 1892. The ores from the North London Mine were complex and the gold not easily separated. The mill was re-outfitted several times over its lifespan as new milling technologies promised better returns. The North London Mine and Mill ceased operations in 1937 or 1938. Remaining at the site are the ruins of the mill, several support buildings, and industrial and domestic artifacts.
These workshops will be conducted by NoLo Executive Co-Director and historian Kate McCoy and archaeologists Michelle Slaughter from Alpine Archaeological Consultants and Natasha Krasnow, a Colorado-based archaeologist. Workshops are designed with the layperson in mind. You will learn about the history of mining in Park County and the history of the North London Mine and Mill. You will tour the site and learn about existing features and their roles during the Mill’s operation. You will also learn about how archaeology contributes to what we can know about sites like the North London Mill.
The workshop is limited to 15 participants per session. A registration form must be completed for each participant in your group.
The North London Mill site is located in a high alpine region 6.1 miles from Colorado State Route 9 at an elevation of 11,400 ft. Be prepared for high altitude by dressing appropriately and bringing plenty of water and snacks. Check out this resource for high altitude travel:
https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/travel/planning/high-altitude-travel-tips.htmParticipants will need a level of fitness to be able to maneuver around the buildings and traverse uneven ground--all at high altitude.
The weather in Mosquito Gulch is changeable and unpredictable. Participants should bring rain gear and wear layers and must wear closed-toe shoes. Long pants and long sleeves are highly recommended for protection in thick brush, from insects, and from the sun. A hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are also highly recommended.
Most of the buildings at the North London Mill are ruins, and there is a lot of construction going on this summer. For safety reasons, participants must remain with the group at all times.
Even though there is a sign on County Road 12 stating that you need a four-wheel drive vehicle beyond a certain point, four-wheel drive is NOT needed to reach the North London Mill. If you were to travel on up to Mosquito Pass, you most certainly would need both high clearance and four-wheel drive. The road to the North London Mill is, however, rocky and a bit uneven in places, but not much worse than many dirt roads in the mountains. The road bed is wide and graded. Participants are welcome to carpool, if they feel comfortable doing so.
This workshop is partially funded by a grant from the South Park National Heritage Area and the Park County Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, but North London Mill Preservation, Inc., a Colorado non-profit organization, needs your support to continue the work to preserve these buildings and continue these educational efforts. Please consider a tax-deductible donation.
Participants will receive an email confirmation upon submission of this form. About a week before the event, we will send another email with further instructions and reminders of what to wear and what to bring.
DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER AND ACCESSIBILITY OF THE SITE. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL SHOULD THE NEED ARISE TO RESCHEDULE YOUR WORKSHOP.
