Argo smelting works (Boston and Colorado Smelting Co.)
Creator(s)
Hanington, C. H.
Summary
Interior view of an Argo Smelting Works building, owned by the Boston and Colorado Smelting Company, Denver, Colorado, shows a chimney surrounded by gutters emanating from a furnace. One of the furnace doors is open as a man uses a long steel rod to probe inside.
Date
1892
Notes
Accompanying historical note reads: "These photographs taken by C. H. Hanington pertain to the Argo Smelting Works of the Boston and Colorado Smelting Co. This enterprise was conceived and carried out by Senator N. P. Hill. The first plant was built in Black Hawk in 1869 and solved the problem of treating the sulphide ores of Gilpin County and other districts as the character of the free milling ores changed as the mines became deeper. History of this enterprise should be preserved as it played an important part in the development of Denver and the state as a whole. When the eminent metallurgist, Richard Pearce from Cornwall, joined the company in 1873, a small refinery was constructed. The silver bricks, used as stepping stones by General Grant on the occasion of his first visit to Central City, were produced in this refinery. Mr. Pearce continued as manager until about 1902. Meanwhile the Argo Plant near Denver was being constructed in 1878. Operations at Black Hawk were discontinued after the Argo Plant was started, early in 1879. Memorandum by R. W. Hanington, May, 1950."; Title hand-written on back of print.; R7100613985
Description
1 photoprint ; 13 x 18 cm. (5 x 7 in.)
Subject
Argo Smelting Company (Denver, Colo.)--1890-1900.; Boston & Colorado Gold and Silver Smelting Company--1890-1900.; Denver (Colo.)--1890-1900.; Furnaces--Colorado--Denver--1890-1900.; Interiors--Colorado--Denver--1890-1900.; Mining--Colorado--Denver--1890-1900.; Smelters--Colorado--Denver--1890-1900.
Source
Source: R. W. Hanington.
Rights Statement
Restrictions applying to use or reproduction of this image available from the Western History/Genealogy Dept., Denver Public Library.
