Keane Wonder Mine

Death Valley Junction and Death Valley National Park are two different locations, though near each other. Death Valley Junction is to the east of the national park and a small unincorporated town. Keane Wonder Mine is located just outside of Death Valley Junction.

The mine was founded on gold by Jack Keane. He had a claim in the Funeral Mountains in 1903. The ore was of such high quality Keane was able to sell the mine claim for $150,000 before any real development began. Through 1907 to 1911 the mine was at high producing peak. In fact the mine produced 74,000 tons of gold, lead, and silver. They were paid $9.22 per ton. A total of $1,100,000 was found in the mine between 1903 and 1916.

The mines have been closed for almost 100 years, but they were such an integral part of California history the national park allowed visitors into the area until recently. Unfortunately, the area is now becoming troublesome and dangerous, so visiting the actual mines is not possible. Still, it is possible to drive nearby to see the park and its scenery on a visit.