Argonaut Mine, Jackson, Amador County

The Argonaut Mine was originally known as the Pioneer Mine. The mine was discovered by two miners, James Hager and William Tudor in 1850. The mine's serious development began in 1893 when it was purchased by the Argonaut Mining Company.

Here pictured are Argonaut Mine Workers as they are getting ready for thier daily shift.

The mine operated until 1942, reaching a vertical depth of 5,570 feet via a sixty-three degree shaft and produced more than $25 million in gold.

Excerpt from Amador Ledger - Jan 20, 1905

Joseph Bastian, a young man who has been working in the Argonaut mine for some time, was caved on Monday morning and received injuries that proved fatal at 5 o'clock in the evening. Mr. Bastian was highly respected young man, and his untimely taking off will be felt by a host of intimate friends. Deceased's parents live in Jackson, Five years ago his father received severe injuries in the same mine. His relatives have the sympathy of the entire community. His remains were laid to rest in the Protestant cemetery on Wednesday at 2 o'clock p. m., under the auspices of Jackson Miners' Union, No. 115, W. F. M., of which order he was a member in good standing.