PARK SERVICE SIGN:  Mining in the Providence Mountains began during the 1860s and 1870s with a few small camps. The Trojan Mining District, also known as the Providence District, consisted of several silver claims organized in April of 1880, with the first major boom at the Bonanza King Mine not far from here. Near the Bonanza King the town of Providence was established in 1882 with a bunkhouse, mess hall, commissary, post office, and a superintendent's residence

The Bonanza King proved to be a rich mine, and by 1890 there were 119 residents of Providence. Mines in the area were more active and in higher production in the early 1900s than at any other time. But today scars on the desert and a few old timbers are all that remain of the town.

Burros - Solitary miners used these rugged animals for any mining activity that required pulling or carrying heavy loads. Wild burros may still be seen in this area.  Freight Wagons - Often linked together, drawn by mules or oxen, these wagons carried ore to the stamp mill or the railroad. Stamp Mills - This noisy machine crushed metal-bearing rock so the gold and silver could be extracted.  Tent Cities - Rough camps close to the mine housed the workers.  Windmills - These towering structures provided a substance more precious to life than  gold or silver - water.