The discovery of gold and silver in the region in 1863 resulted in a temporary influx of miners and the establishment of mining camps, most of which have long since disappeared.
The initial discovery was along Jordan Creek, and mining activity rapidly spread through the Owyhee watershed.
This activity involved not only placer operations, but also underground mines and mills, resulting in a prolonged history of mining in the region.
 This invasion of Native American territory set off the 1864–68 Snake War.
The discovery of gold and silver in the region in 1863 resulted in a temporary influx of miners and the establishment of mining camps, most of which have long since disappeared. The initial discovery was along Jordan Creek, and mining activity rapidly spread through the Owyhee watershed. This activity involved not only placer operations, but also underground mines and mills, resulting in a prolonged history of mining in the region.  This invasion of Native American territory set off the 1864–68 Snake War.
Owyhee River