Coulterville in Mariposa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Whistling Billy

Photographed By Richard Wisehart, February 13, 2008

1. Whistling Billy Marker

Inscription. This eight-ton, short-wheel base, wood burning locomotive, built by the H. K. Porter Co. of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, was delivered to the Merced Mining Company of Coulterville in 1897. All of "Billy’s" active life was spent hauling gold-bearing quartz ore over the narrow-guage tracks from the Mary Harrison mine, south of town, to the Potosi stamp mill, west of town – a distance of about four miles. Abandoned in 1904, it was resurrected in the mid 1930's, and placed here for all to see and enjoy. Further information on "Billy" may be obtained inside the history center.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.

Location. 37° 42.65′ N, 120° 11.846′ W. Marker is in Coulterville, California, in Mariposa County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 49 and Main Street on State Highway 49. The marker is 28.8 miles from downtown Sonora (intersection of North Washington St and Stockton Rd). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Coulterville CA 95311, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Coulterville (here, next to this marker); Jeffery Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Coulterville Hotel (within shouting distance

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of this marker); a different marker also named Coulterville (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Walls (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mint (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); I.O.O.F Lodge 104 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sun Sun Wo Co. (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coulterville.

Whistling Billy and Coulterville Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard Wisehart, February 13, 2008

2. Whistling Billy and Coulterville Markers

View is westerly with Coulterville marker on the right and Whistling Billy on the left.

Vintage Postcard - "Whistling Billie" image. Click for full size.

Color by Mike Roberts, Berkeley, Ca. Distributed by Bob Ball, Visalia, Ca.

3. Vintage Postcard - "Whistling Billie"

Description on Postcard: This old Steam Engine used by Mary Harrison Gold Mine for hauling ore. The four miles of track from the mine to Coulterville was known as the world's most "crooked railroad".

Photographed By Dexter Press, circa 1950's

4. Whistling Billy Marker

Vintage 1950's Color Postcard! "Whistling Billie"
Steam Engine
Coulterville, California This eight-ton, short-wheel base, wood burning locomotive, built by the H. K. Porter Co. of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, was delivered to the Merced Mining Company of Coulterville in 1897. All of "Billy’s" active life was spent hauling gold-bearing quartz ore over the narrow-guage tracks from the Mary Harrison mine, south of town, to the Potosi stamp mill, west of town – a distance of about four miles. Abandoned in 1904, it was resurrected in the mid 1930's, and placed here for all to see and enjoy. Further information on "Billy" may be obtained inside the history center.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2008, by Richard Wisehart of Sonora, California. This page has been viewed 2,973 times since then and 212 times this year. Last updated on March 4, 2008, by Richard Wisehart of Sonora, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 3, 2008, by Richard Wisehart of Sonora, California. 3. submitted on September 12, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on February 4, 2010, by Bobbie Skye of Arroyo Grande, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.