7. Cripple Creek, Colorado
In 1890, Robert Womack’s discovery of rich gold ore near Cripple Creek ignited one of Colorado’s last great gold rushes. By 1900, the district boasted over 500 mines, producing 22.4 million ounces of gold by 1910. The town’s rapid growth led to labor disputes, notably the 1894 miners’ strike, which saw the deployment of state militia to protect workers. Today, Cripple Creek stands as a historic site and gambling destination, preserving its rich mining heritage. (britannica.com)
