Kennecott Utah Copper's Bingham Canyon Mine is an open pit mine situated in the Oquirrh mountain range that runs along the west side of the Salt Lake Valley. The mine is so big in fact it is visible to the naked eye from space. Standing against the railing overlooking the mine produces a very profound feeling something similar to the Grand Canyon but different in the fact that this deep crater wasn't produced by forces of nature but by the force of humans. An incredible monument to industry.
If you haven't visited the mine since 2005 it's worth going again. In the winter of 2005/2006 Kennecott moved the visitors center 328 feet down further into the mine affording visitors a better view and a chance to get a bit closer to the action.
Love history? Then you will really appreciate the museum located in the visitors center. There you can find yourself pouring over the historical documents, photos, and memorabilia. Bingham Canyon was once host to diverse groups of people from all around the globe. They developed towns and communities such as Lark, Carr Fork, Highland Boy, and Bingham. Smaller encampments were also formed and given charming names such as Freeman, Copper Heights, Markham, Heaston Heights, Frog Town, Terrace Heights, and my personal favorite Dinkeyville. All of which were swallowed by the growing mine throughout the years and lost to history.
The mine is open to visitors April through the end of October. Admission is $5 per car making it very affordable! Visit their website for more information.
http://kennecott.com/visitors-center/
No comments:
Post a Comment