George A. Jackson found $9 in placer gold in 1859 in the area of the current Idaho Springs and soon after a town by the name of Jackson's Diggings sprang up. There were many name changes throughout the years before finally deciding on Idaho Springs. The "springs" came from the nearby medicinal hot springs.Mining still continues to this day and the town is somewhat of a smelting center.The peak population here was around 12,000 in the 1860's and now is down to about 2000. The town remains as an important tourist stop today in addition to supporting the current mining in the area.

The Charlie Tayler Waterwheel ------Charlie Tayler used this waterwheel to
power a stamp mill at his gold mining operations on Ute Creek. Tayler who
attributed his good health to the fact that he never kissed women or took
baths, built the waterwheel in 1893. It was moved to its present site in
1946, a gift to the People of Idaho Springs by his estate. Restored in 1988.
Courtesy Dolores Steele

Charlie Tayler
Courtesy Dolores Steele