When we think about Maine's major industries from the 1800s and early 1900s, we typically think of shipbuilding, fishing, and logging.

However, there were a sizeable number of mines throughout Maine during the last few centuries.

The first settlers to our state found that there were many mineral deposits ready to be exploited.  Yes, most of these ended up being quarries where granite and other building materials were cut.

That being said, Maine did have its fair share of traditional precious metal mines.  Geological surveys have found gold, silver, zinc, lithium, and even uranium.

This map gives a good overview of some of the state's mineral deposits are located.

Maine.gov
Maine.gov
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Check out an interactive version of the map HERE.

Recently, Drew from the Abandoned Maine Youtube channel made a trip to Guilford, Maine to check out a long abandoned silver mine.

Well, it was either a silver mine, a gold mine, or a zinc mine, depending on who you ask.

Over the course of two visits he was able to excavate the very narrow entrance of the mine and spend a few minutes exploring the tunnel.  It appears that the miners were not able to get very far into the process before they gave up looking for precious minerals.

*NOTE - We do not condone exploring abandoned places.  Trespassing is illegal and can be dangerous

Check out these pictures of Drew's trip into the mine:

Inside An Old Maine Silver Mine

Take a look inside an old silver mine in Guilford, Maine. The images from this gallery come from two Abandoned Maine videos found HERE and HERE

You can see his full adventures in the mine by watching the two videos below:

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Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

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