William A. Hamill
by Christine Bradley
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service
Historical Bulletin Number 2
56 pages
Sale Price: 5.95

For over 30 years, William A. Hamill belonged to a group of men who helped direct the future of the state of Colorado. From territorial days through the turn of the century, Hamill and men like him carved financial empires and political power bases out of the frontier lands of the Rocky Mountains. Rumors of limitless opportunity spurred an ever-growing sense of optimism and infallibility.

In many ways Hamill's career paralleled the life of his community, Georgetown. Both began an uncertain ascent in the last half of the 1860s, dependent upon silver mining. By statehood in 1876, they had achieved stability. Hamill became known as the "gentleman from Clear Creek," while Georgetown shone as the "Silver Queen." Both quickly established reputations which enhanced their future success.

Changing economic conditions, however, destroyed the dreams of man and community. Overproduction and the diminishing silver market combined to force a slow death upon the fortunes of the bonanza kings, such as Hamill, and drastically altered the communities which had grown to support them, such as Georgetown.
-From Introduction in book (not complete introduction)

This book provides readers with an in-depth look at the life of William A. Hamill from the rise of his wealth with land speculation to the decline of his wealth with the decline of the stock market.