Near Murphys in Calaveras County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Mercer Caverns
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 7, 2009
1. Mercer Caverns Marker
In 1900, a display of the rare Aragonite Flos Ferri was awarded the Grand Prize at the Paris World's Fair.
Recognized by the State of California as a Point of Historical Interest on August 2, 1985.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. A significant historical date for this entry is September 1, 1862.
Location. 38° 9.111′ N, 120° 28.768′ W. Marker is near Murphys, California, in Calaveras County. Marker can be reached from Sheep Ranch Road. Mercer Caverns is located one mile north of Murphys. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1665 Sheep Ranch Road, Murphys CA 95247, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. St. Patrick's Catholic Church (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Compere Store (approx. 1.2 miles away); Site of E.C.V. Saloon (approx. 1.2 miles away); The Heinsdorff Bakery (approx. 1.2 miles away); Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall (approx. 1.2 miles away); E Clampus Vitus
this page online
More about this marker. The marker is by the cave entrance, and is visible from the parking lot.
Regarding Mercer Caverns. The cave was first used by the Yokut Indians as a mortuary cave, and then rediscovered some time later in 1885 by a gold prospector, Walter J. Mercer. Tours of the cave began almost immediately, with Mercer making improvements to make the cave more accessible. In 1888, while in the cave, Mercer fell some 30 feet, severely injuring his spine. He died 12 years later of complications from his fall. In 1946, the name of the cave was changed from New Calaveras Cave to Mercer Caverns. Tours are available, and go as deep as 160 feet below the surface.
Additional keywords. Caves
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 7, 2009
2. Mercer Caverns Marker, Cave Entrance, and Historic Office
The marker is visible to the left of the historic office building (constructed by Mercer in 1886). The entrance to the cave is between the two, just to the right of the orange signs, with steps leading down into the cave.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 7, 2009
3. Mercer Caverns - Stalactites
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 7, 2009
4. Mercer Caverns - Flos Ferri (Aragonite) Formation
Aragonite has the same chemical composition as limestone (Calcium Carbonate, calcite): CaCO3, but with the carbonate ion arranged differently. Named after Aragon, the Spanish region in which it was discovered.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,291 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 10, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
