It is true that most large-scale mining ceased in Stafford after gold was discovered in California in 1849. Although Virginia gold was of a high quality, Western gold was cheaper and easier to mine as the constant problem with water seepage in the Stafford mines made obtaining the precious mineral far more difficult and expensive. Nevertheless, its potential as a source of highly-needed Confederate gold during the war is a tantalizing topic for continued research. To date, we have confirmed that mining took place during the conflict, and evidence strongly links the Confederate War Department’s Nitre and Mining Bureau to gold ore processing.