The Gold Dust Trail: A Cripple Creek Story

Synopsis

In 1896, the promise of a dollar-a-day wage drew Henry Mattingold away from the familiar and towards the burgeoning, remote mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. This historical fiction novel plunges readers into Henry's life just before this life-altering decision and chronicles his arduous journey into the heart of the gold rush. As Henry navigates the treacherous landscape of the mining industry, he finds himself entangled in the vibrant, often dangerous, social and political fabric of Cripple Creek. The story vividly portrays the immense challenges and fleeting triumphs of those who sought their fortune in the unforgiving mountains, painting a rich tapestry of the era's historical figures and pivotal events that shaped this legendary boomtown. The Gold Dust Trail is more than just a tale of prospecting; it's a compelling exploration of hope, resilience, and the human spirit's relentless pursuit of a better life against formidable odds. Readers will experience the raw ambition, the stark realities of frontier existence, and the enduring legacy of a town built on dreams and hard labor. Henry's personal journey mirrors the broader narrative of Cripple Creek itself – a place of immense opportunity and equally immense hardship, where fortunes were made and lost with the turn of a pickaxe.