Wyoming History: Frank McGovern Squanders Fortune
Frank McGovern, an educated Chicagoan, discovered the legendary Miners Delight mine in Wyoming's Sweetwater District.
McGovern, the son of a wealthy Chicago family, was well-educated and destined for high society. However, he abandoned his city life and moved to the gold camps of South Pass City, Wyoming.
In the 1860s, McGovern spent his time drinking and gambling instead of mining for gold, earning a reputation as the terror of the Sweetwater Mining District due to his wild lifestyle.
One night, he stumbled upon the richest mine in the district, but his fortune was short-lived, as he lost over a million dollars to gambling, drinking, and violence.
Leaving behind a legacy of squandered wealth and scandal in South Pass City.
Author's summary: McGovern's wealth was lost to vices.