Mayflower Gold Mill Tour

Two miles northeast of Silverton, the Mayflower Mill stands as the last and most advanced of the big mills built in the San Juan Mountains. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, this structure operated from 1930 to 1991, processing an estimated 9.7 million tons of rock to yield nearly 2 million ounces of gold and 30 million ounces of silver. The facility, originally conceived by mine manager Charles A. Chase and constructed by Stearns-Roger Manufacturing Co., utilized pre-framed Oregon fir to withstand harsh mountain winters. Visitors exploring the self-guided summer tours encounter original equipment that remains in working order, specifically witnessing gravity separation and selective flotation techniques used to extract gold, silver, and base metals from hard rock ores. The San Juan County Historical Society now owns and maintains the site, which includes an information and gift shop. The mill's 61-year career included only 12 years of shutdowns, making it the single longest-running mill in the region's history.