AGENCY: Ophir Mining District (Utah). Recorder
SERIES: 24165
TITLE: Mining records
DATES: 1870-1929.
ARRANGEMENT: Roughly chronological by date filed.
DESCRIPTION: General Patrick Connor, mining entrepreneur and commander of a military unit sent to Utah in the 1860s, and his prospector soldiers organized the Ophir Mining District in Tooele County, Utah on 6 August 1870. Connor and his soldiers separated this southern section from the already organized Rush Valley District when they discovered a particularly promising lode in Ophir Canyon. In order to regulate mining activity and keep track of individual claims, miners in the Ophir District elected a recorder to record notices of location and other mining documents. Each location notice confirms the validity of a claim, states its dimensions, and describes its location. Location notices identify each claim by a unique name, give dates of location and recording, and identify individuals filing the claim. In addition to location notices, Ophir mining records include documents relating to the labor required to maintain claims.
RETENTION
DISPOSITION
RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION
These records are in Archives' permanent custody.
FORMAT MANAGEMENT
Microfilm master: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
Microfilm duplicate: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
Paper: Retain in Office permanently.
Microfilm duplicate: Retain in Office permanently.
Microfiche master: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
Microfiche duplicate: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
APPRAISAL
Historical
Ophir District mining records contain historical information about mining activity in the Ophir District, which was one of the most productive in late 19th century Utah.
PRIMARY DESIGNATION
Public