75. Introduction to Blasting and Explosives in Mines / National Mining Museum, Leadville, Colorado

And finally, this display appears in the National Mining Museum in Leadville.

"Introduction to Blasting and Explosives in Mines"

"Between the 1830's and the 1850's, explosives became a permanent fixture in mines;  it reduced the cost of mining and helped increase productivity.

"Black powder was first adopted in America mid-17th century with the opening of the first black powder mill in Massachusetts.  It was used by the settlers to help provide food, ignite fires and for protection.   During the same period, black powder was used extensively in German mines, and by the late 17th century, its use in the mining industry had spread as far as Cornwall, England.   Later, during the mass immigrations of the 19th century, the Cornish miners (also known as 'Cousin Jacks') brought this technology and their blasting techniques to America.  They also brought the miner's candlestick, lunch bucket, and the code of signals that enable the hoist man to communicate with the miners underground.   The sudden increase in popularity and blasting usage in the mines spread quickly and powder mills were established to meet demand.

"Black powder was the only explosive used in mines until the introduction of Nitro-glycerine, and then dynamite..."