ABSTRACT
Throughout history, gold and silver have held a special attraction. In recent centuries, the discoveries have lured waves of immigrants to cross formidable oceans and daunting continents to stake claims. Regions, previously remote and thinly populated, have experienced extensive settlement and development. Towns have sprung up as businesses emerged to meet the needs of newcomers. Native peoples found in the way were killed or forcibly removed in fits of genocide. Rich veins of ore fueled new commerce as prospectors gained the financial means to satiate expanding appetites. Coined into currency, the mined ores provided needed credit and fostered commerce.1 To follow the veins deep underground, miners developed new methods of excavation and encouraged new industry. The immense natural wealth brought great prosperity and eventually respectability to some and funded great cities like San Francisco. It brought new wealth to governments, which could then spend it on needed improvements in roads and infrastructure. Far beyond its mining operations, the gold and silver stimulated human energy and economic vitality like few other sources.
