Spiller Manganese Mines District — Mason County

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Spiller Manganese Mines District — Mason County

Gold Mining Site TX • Mason County County
Description
Historic Wakefield Company manganese district about twelve miles northeast of Mason. 1887–1900 mineral boom site where prospectors also searched for gold, iron, and coal in Llano Uplift Precambrian rocks.
Historical Notes
In the early 1880s manganese was discovered in Mason County and the Wakefield Company established the Spiller mines approximately twelve miles northeast of Mason. The Handbook of Texas records iron ore discovery in 1886 and considerable prospecting for gold, silver, and coal through the 1887–1900 period before lack of railroad access ended industrial ambitions. Manganese occurs in residual and surficial deposits in Precambrian rocks in Mason and Llano counties. While manganese was the primary target, gold prospecting accompanied the boom — part of the broader Llano Uplift mineral fever that also produced the Heath mine tradition in adjacent Llano County. The Spiller mine site near Fredonia in Mason County is a documented historical diggings area. Modern hobby prospectors may find fine placer gold in nearby creek gravels eroded from uplift source rocks. Private property — do not trespass on mine dumps or ranch land.
Status / Verification historical_site — Verified

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