The Sparta Mine was discovered around 1820 by the Westchester Copper Mine Company. Later on April 12, 1824, the company was officially incorporated with Edward Kemeys serving as president. In the fall of 1827, a 30 foot deep shaft was deepened to 80 feet in depth. An adit met the shaft at a distance of 400 feet in from its mouth. Several tons of rich ore were removed from this shaft, some of it yielding 75% copper. In addition, lead was also produced. Further shaft sinking reportedly totalling 530 feet failed to locate ore.

Under the guidance of Joseph Tregaskis, the Westchester Copper Mine company hired miners directly from Cornwall, England.

Around 1860, Kemeys refurbished the shaft with the intent of continuing mining but this effort was short lived.

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