When a miner found soil or rocks that were rich in gold, he would say that he had "hit paydirt." He would mark the territory so that only he could mine there. This was known as "staking a claim."

How did a miner stake a claim?

Salt the mine and guard it with his life.

Make an "X" on the ground with his pick and shovel.

Put four sticks in the ground and spread out a blanket.

Mining Claim