Tarryall Gold: From Rush to Hush

Join us at the Mines Museum for a captivating presentation and book launch party with geologist, archaeologist, and historian Mark S. Hanson.

About the book: On July 19, 1859, a group of men ventured into the uncharted South Park Basin, discovering gold in Tarryall Creek, sparking a rush that would resonate for over a century. In his latest work, Tarryall Gold, Hanson explores the miners’ fortunes, failures, and the enduring mysteries of their quest, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Colorado’s rugged landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into the history of Tarryall’s golden past.

About the author: Mark S. Hanson grew up on a dairy farm in southwestern Minnesota, where he developed a passion for geology and archaeology. He earned a B.S. in Geology and a minor in Archaeology from the University of North Dakota, followed by an M.S. in Geology from the Colorado School of Mines. With a 30-year career in oil, gas, and helium exploration, Mark worked across the Gulf Coast, West Texas, and the western U.S. In 2015, he and his wife Lenora purchased a cabin in Tarryall Valley, where Mark became fascinated by the area’s mining history, eventually leading to his book Tarryall Gold. He is also the proud owner of two gold mine claims on Silverheels’ northeast ridge.