What negative impact did gold and silver mining have in the West?

Question

Tent cities near the mines fostered criminals as long-term residents.
Ghost towns were left behind after the mines stopped producing.
Mining camps were sources of many contagious diseases.

(1 answer)

Answer 1

All of the provided options highlight negative impacts of gold and silver mining in the West. However, if you are looking for one primary answer that encapsulates a significant negative impact, it would be:

Mining camps were sources of many contagious diseases.

This was a major issue due to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in mining camps, leading to the spread of diseases among workers and residents.