Aruba's Gold Mine Ruins

Who would think looking at the island's hotels, beaches, restaurants, and other attractions that there was once a gold rush in Aruba?

Early in the island's history with the Dutch, they sent an expedition to check for various types of ore available in Aruba. While traces of gold were found, they were so small that the decision was made not to mine the island. However, a century later a boy tending his father's sheep found a stone containing gold and his father sold it and went looking for more. Things grew from there and soon many on the island, and those visiting the island, were struck by gold-fever.

The Dutch government didn't like the situation and sent troops to protect the gold fields. The areas were declared off-limits - property of the Dutch government. Gold mining and smelting continued on the island up until World War I when materials required for smelting became unavailable. After the war attempts were made to start mining again but after years of neglect the equipment was not usable.

Today you can visit the ruins of the mines and smelting operations. You can visit them via Jeep Tours or on horseback.

Who knows? Maybe you'll find a shiny gold stone when you visit!

P.S. for comprehensive information on Aruba's gold mining history and all things historical in Aruba visit one of our favorite sites - Historia di Aruba - very well done with a great deal of interesting information!

Another View - Gold Mine Ruins in Aruba