The Gigantic Mining Operation at Monte Cristo
A mechanical superintendent reports on the massive, singular challenges of building a tramway into the isolated mining camp of Monte Cristo.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
John C. Bowman is a guest of the Rainier. He is the mechanical superintendent of the works under construction at Monte Cristo. 'The principal work during this past season,' said he, 'has been the construction of the tramways leading from the mines to the concentrator. We were not able to get work completed, owing to the terrible condition of the roads, which prevented us from getting our material in time. The development of this mining camp is the most gigantic proposition of its kind ever undertaken. The obstacles to be overcome are not only great, but they are unique. The mines are isolated from the beaten paths by an almost impenetrable wilderness. Avalanches and glaciers and steep mountains increase the difficulties of erecting permanent works. But the enterprise is being carried on with wonderful courage. There is a great deal of work yet to do at the camp and I think it will be the busiest camp in the West next season.'
“The development of this mining camp is the most gigantic proposition of its kind ever undertaken.”
Monte Cristo became one of Washington's most legendary 'ghost towns' after being repeatedly destroyed by the same avalanches Bowman describes, illustrating the difficulty of industrial expansion in the Cascades.
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