Introduction: Since its first reprinting in 1963, Willis S. Blatchley's "Gold and Diamonds in Indiana" has been a best seller of the Indiana Geological Survey. Much of the appeal of Blatchley's report derives from the novelty of its topic. Most people do not think of the Midwest as an area in which either gold or diamonds are found. The mention of gold usually brings to mind a grizzled old prospector up a gulch on the back side of some lonely mountain in Colorado or a team of gold seekers along Bear Creek near Dawson, Alaska. Indiana gold, although not plentiful, has been found in sufficient quantities mostly along streams in Morgan and Brown Counties to keep interest in recovering the yellow metal alive for more than 135 years. "Gold and Diamonds in Indiana" has also gained popularity because it was written in 1903---a time when the gold-producing areas of Indiana were relatively unspoiled and scenic and life moved at an enviably slower pace than it does today. Because of the attraction of the original "Gold and Diamonds in Indiana," as much as possible of that manuscript has been preserved. Improvements in our understanding of the origins of gold and diamonds are reflected in a new chapter that treats that subject. Like Mr. Blatchley's original, this report is intended not as a treatise on gold mining in Indiana but as a guide for the amateur gold panner who enjoys nature and the challenge of finding a few grains of gold along one of southern Indiana's scenic-upland streams.
For a half century or longer it has been known that free gold in the form of minute grains and flakes occurs in a number of Indiana counties. Within the past few years this gold has been the subject of numerous articles in the newspapers, and public curiosity and attention have, therefore, been drawn to it. Many letters and inquiries relative to it have been received at the office of the State Geologist, and a large number of persons have called there to secure information regarding the distribution and quantity of gold in the State. Moreover, the natives of Brown and Morgan counties have, while washing gold, happened upon a half dozen or more small diamonds, most of which have been found in the past five years. The finding of these has given additional interest to the question, and has led me to prepare the present paper, giving in detail what is known concerning the occurrence and distribution of gold and diamonds in the State. In company with Mr. R. L. Royse, of Martinsville, who has given the subject more careful study than any other one man, a special trip was made in May, 1902, through those portions of Brown and Morgan counties where the most gold is thought to occur. A second trip was made to Morgan County in October of the same year. From the information gathered on these. two trips, as well as from all available printed matter on the subject, the present paper has been prepared.
From the Introduction: The Falls of the Ohio River is at the McAlpine Dam between Louisville, Ky., and Jeffersonville and Clarksville, Ind. The Falls is essentially within the State of Kentucky, since the state boundary was established along the north bank of the Ohio River, but access to the Falls is now almost exclusively through Jeffersonville. The Falls of the Ohio was a strategic location during the early history of the Midwestern United States, for it was the only place along "La Belle Riviere" that required a portage for boats and served as a natural fording place. Evidence of Indians traveling in the area has been found, especially along the wide path known as the Buffalo Trace that was used by early explorers and animals. The French explorer LaSalle stopped at the Falls in 1669, and George Rogers Clark, enroute to his capture of Kaskaskia and Vincennes, established the first settlement at the Falls in 1771.
As part of a diverse education outreach program, the IGWS provides educators free curriculum support materials including lesson plans, demonstrations, and activities. Users can modify lessons to meet the specific goals and objectives set forth for a particular audience.
Four unique sets of 26 ABC cards define various geologic terms, including rocks, minerals, fossils, and earth science concepts. Perfect for kids and adults who want to learn more about geology.
GeoNotes articles were designed to meet the needs of newspaper editors and educators. Each listing is a concise one-page article containing an overview on specific aspects of geology within the Hoosier State.
The Indiana Geological and Water Survey has partnered with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to provide visitor guides for popular Indiana State Parks. Each guide includes the geologic story of the park and an updated trail map.
Save $4 when you bundle the following items: Let's Look at Rocks book, Geology: An Introduction to Familiar Rocks, Minerals, Gemstones, and Fossils book, the ABCs of Indiana Geology cards, Gem and Mineral playing cards, a set of bookmarks, and a Rock Layers of Indiana sticker. Also includes preprinted IGWS curriculum support materials.
Save $6 when you bundle the following items: Indiana Rocks! book (A Guide to Geologic Sites in the Hoosier State), the ABCs of Indiana Geology cards, Let's Look at Rocks book, Geology of the Falls of the Ohio River book, Gold and Diamonds in Indiana book, Grain Size Chart, and two rock samples. Also includes preprinted IGWS curriculum support materials.
Save $5 when you bundle the following items: Indiana Rocks! book (A Guide to Geologic Sites in the Hoosier State), the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Trail Map, the Clark and Jackson-Washington State Forests Trail Map, and Gold and Diamonds in Indiana.
Save $3 when you bundle the following items: Fossil playing cards, Gem & Mineral playing cards, Let's Look at Rocks book, set of bookmarks, Trilobite and Rivers of Indiana stickers.
Save $3 when you bundle six IGWS stickers: Rock Layers of Indiana, Trilobite, CaCO3, Bedrock of Indiana, Rivers of Indiana, and MegaJeff stickers.
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