Blue Bell Mining, Milling and Prospecting Company

 Cripple Creek, Colorado

This Blue Bell Mining, Milling and Prospecting Company certificate is a very important piece of Cripple Creek history.   The President and Secretary of this company, Joseph E. Handbury and John S. Lentz respectively, owned and operated a general store,  two saw mills, and a lumber yard in Florissant, Colorado.  They also prospected in the nearby hillsides. They, along with M.C. Lankford, W. L. Spell and George W. Carr,  located the Blue Bell claim, as well as the Hobo, Panhandle, and Robert E. Lee claims.  

While the claims of this company, located in Squaw Gulch, were not the very first claims staked in the district, the Blue Bell was the first to ship ore from what soon became known as the Cripple Creek Mining District.  This first shipment of ore is overlooked in most history books, but can be attributed to the Cripple Creek Gold Rush and it was the only ore shipped from the District in 1891.  While history does not credit the Blue Bell Mine for the rush to Cripple Creek, there can be no doubt that this first shipment of ore, containing gold, silver, and lead, was instrumental in creating a keen interest in the region and the mining boom that ensued.   The Blue Bell was not a rich mine, but was later surrounded by productive, rich mines the likes of Anchoria-Leland, Doctor Jack Pot, Anaconda,  and many others.   This certificate is historically important and exceptionally rare.  This is the earliest dated Cripple Creek certificate we have seen.  We are pleased to be able to share this remarkably early Cripple Creek piece!   

Certificate details: Blue Bell Mining, Milling and Prospecting Company;  Issued at Colorado Springs, Colorado;  Dated December 21, 1891;  Signed John S. Lentz, secretary & Joseph E. Handbury, president.  Rarity: R1*  (*While more than 1 certificate for this company exists, this is the only Cripple Creek certificate known to be dated 1891)

Blue Bell Tunnel photo courtesy Denver Public Library.