Belfort, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Belfort
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Former mining camp
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 Belfort
Location in California
Belfort
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Mono County |
| Elevation | 10,210 ft (3,112 m) |
Belfort was once a busy mining camp in the 1880s. It was located in the Sweetwater Mountains of California. This area is known for its beautiful, rugged landscape.
Belfort sat high up in the mountains, at an elevation of 10,210 feet (3,112 meters). This is about 8.5 miles (13.7 kilometers) east-northeast of Fales Hot Springs.
Discovering Belfort: A Mining Story
Belfort was established because people found valuable minerals there. Miners hoped to strike it rich by digging for precious metals. This was a common dream during the California mining boom.
What Was Mined in Belfort?
Miners at Belfort were mainly looking for two valuable metals:
- Silver: A shiny, white metal often used for jewelry and coins.
- Gold: A very precious yellow metal, highly sought after around the world.
These metals were very important for the economy back then. Finding them could make a person wealthy.
The Life of a Mining Camp
Life in a mining camp like Belfort was tough. Miners lived in simple shelters and worked long hours. They used tools to dig deep into the earth. The weather in the mountains could be very harsh.
Mining activity in Belfort continued through the 1880s and into the 1890s. As the silver and gold became harder to find, people started to leave. Eventually, the camp was abandoned. Today, Belfort is a historic site, reminding us of California's mining past.
