Winfield Scott Stratton was an American prospector, capitalist, and philanthropist. He discovered the Independence Lode near Victor, Colorado on July 4, 1891, and became the Cripple Creek Mining District's first millionaire in 1894. He provided to build buildings, improve the street car system, build the first professional ball park, and provided funds to people in need.
Stratton, 1901
Stratton's Independence Mine and Mill
Colorado Springs City Hall
Colorado Springs and Interurban Railway car, 1907 or 1908
Stratton's Independence Mine and Mill
Stratton's Independence Mine and Mill is a historic gold mining site near Victor, Colorado on the south slope of Battle Mountain. Between late 1893 and April 1899, approximately 200,000 ounces (6200 kg) of gold was removed from the Independence Mine.
Image from the George H. Stone Collection of Colorado geological features and views, Special Collections, Tutt Library, Colorado College.
North-south section showing stopes in the Independence vein.
Section showing the relationship of the mine levels, the veins, granite and breccia.