At this site in 1881 Henry Borein, a prospector, ran into a number of bears in the underbrush, giving the mine it’s name. This claim adjoined the rich Paris lode but turned out to be nearly barren rock. Later owners, however, combined this close proximity with careful gold salting and succeeded in selling $8,000,00.00 in stock to English investors – at the time, it was the biggest mine swindle in history. A 1400 foot tunnel was driven and an 80 stamp mill, boarding house, and support facilities were built.
