Reclaimed is a Discovery show that follows friends Alex Charvat and Kevin Gilman as they transform people’s mining claims into profitable operations in exchange for a share of the profits. Here are 10 fascinating facts about Reclaimed that you may not have known:
1. The Show Revolves Around Mining Claims
A mining claim is a claim on the right to extract minerals from a particular piece of public land. These claims played a significant role in the history of the United States, but their importance has diminished over time, mainly due to the scarcity of unclaimed land.
2. Mining Claims Stem from the Homestead Act
The show focuses on mining claims dating back to the Homestead Act, which consisted of several acts from the 1850s to the 1930s that granted nearly 10 percent of the total area of the United States to 1.6 million homesteaders. The acts were a product of the Northern political stance called Free Soil, which advocated for small farmers who owned and operated their own farms.
3. The Claim System Had Its Flaws
The claim system was notorious for having several issues with its implementation. For instance, people often filed claims to gain access to critical resources like water, which allowed them to shut out potential competitors in the region. Additionally, the government lacked an effective system to evaluate the claims submitted to it.
4. Gold Remains a Powerful Symbol
Most people associate lucrative mining claims with gold, which is not surprising given the gold rushes that have shaped many important locations in the United States. However, gold is not the only valuable mineral that can be found on the mining claims featured in the show. The show also focuses on silver, another powerful symbol of value.
5. The Show Aims to Set Up Profitable Operations
Having minerals on a mining claim is of little value to the claim-holder unless they can extract those minerals economically. This is where the expertise and experience of Charvat and Gilman come in handy, as they help set up profitable mining operations.
6. The Stars Are Well-Versed in Mining and Engineering
Charvat and Gilman are familiar with both mining and engineering, which is essential for setting up profitable mining operations. Mining is a highly technical process, and even the simplest operations come with numerous engineering challenges that must be overcome.
7. The Stars Are Skilled in Forestry and Mountaineering
In addition to their mining and engineering expertise, Charvat and Gilman are also skilled in forestry and mountaineering. These skills are crucial for navigating remote regions and overcoming the challenges that come with setting up operations in such areas.
8. Reclaimed Resembles a Fixer-Upper Show
Reclaimed shares similarities with fixer-upper shows, but it focuses on mining operations rather than houses or restaurants. This unique combination of familiar and unfamiliar elements makes the show intriguing for viewers.
9. The Focus on Gold and Silver Is Deliberate
People have always been fascinated by gold and silver, and their focus on this show was intended to stir up excitement in viewers. Some speculate that the shine of precious metals resembles the shine of sunshine upon water, making them naturally attractive, while others believe that their rarity and imperishable nature make them excellent stores of value.
10. The Show Plays with the Idea of the Old West
Although the Old West has long since faded into history, it remains a powerful influence on the U.S. popular consciousness. Reclaimed incorporates elements evocative of that time and place, particularly since it focuses on concepts that were most prominent during that period. However, the show is very much a product of the present in its content and presentation.
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