
Cripple Creek became the site of numerous mining camps, with more than 500 mines established in the surrounding area. The most notable ones, such as the Independence Mine and the Portland Mine, yielded millions of dollars in gold, making Cripple Creek one of the richest mining districts in the world at the time.
The gold rush in Cripple Creek spurred economic growth and helped Colorado’s economy thrive. Although the boom eventually waned, the town’s legacy as a key player in Colorado’s mining history remains intact, and Cripple Creek is now a historic destination that celebrates its mining heritage.