Abstract

This thesis found that the three communities of Midvale, Murray, and Sandy were the center of the smelting industry in the Salt Lake Valley. These communities became the center of smelting because of their central location, the readily available water supply, and the availability of an inexpensive, efficient transportation system to ship the bullion. The smelters were surrounded by two major mountain ranges which provided a ready supply of good lead, silver, and copper ore.

The development of the smelting industry followed three separate phases or periods. The first phase was one of experimentation or period of discovery, in which the smelters operated without the technological skill necessary to be financially successful. The second phase was highlighted by the emergence of skilled German mining engineers who enabled the smelters to be financially successful. Phase three was ushered in during the late nineteenth century by the industrialists who consolidated the smaller smelters and built larger, more efficient plants.

Degree

MA

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; History

Rights

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

Date Submitted

1990

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etdm357

Keywords

Smelting, History, Mineral industries, Utah, Salt Lake Valley, Brigham Young, 1801-1877, P. E. Connor, Patrick Edward, 1820-1891, Mormons, Mining

Language

English

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