Miniatures

Notes from the Artist

A party of 6 men is credited with the discovery of gold in Alder Gulch in 1863.  They staked claims and left for Bannack for suppies.  The news leaked out, and soon it became a hustling metropolis with all the problems that come with many people and few laws.

The gap was filled by the vigilantes.  The first trial was of one of the notorious road agents and murderers and was held in Virginia City, December 21, 1863.  Colonel Sanders was in town and appointed prosecuting attorney by the "miner's court". George Ives was convicted and immediately hung.  Sanders went on to gain national prominence as a Vigilante, lawyer, legislator, businessman and politician.