Abstract

In September of 1894, John Hyrum Koyle, Jr., said that he was shown in a dream or vision a large, rich deposit of gold and an underground storehouse of artifacts hidden by people of Ancient America. This dream was the beginning of a mining venture which has never produced anything of value, has been opposed vigorously by both officials of the LDS Church and the State, yet has claimed supporters numbered in the thousands.

The mine has profoundly affected (and continues to affect) the lives of many families who have come into the sphere of its influence. The lore of the mine, whether true or false, has been the main instrument in spreading this influence. This folklore has played an active part in three clearly demonstrable ways: the spreading of the Dream Mine sub-culture; the shaping of the attitudes toward the mine and its founder; and the development of stability in both the Mormon culture and the mine sub-culture.

This study of mining folklore reveals that the Koyle Dream Mine has much in common with other "dream mines" in both the Mormon culture and in other cultures. Many mining ventures began through supernatural means, but relatively few of them have been successful. Lack of production has brought the demise of many such movements, though some, like Koyle's Dream Mine, remain viable in spite of the absence of paying ore.

Degree

College and Department

Humanities; English

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/