Sutter Creek in Amador County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Knight Foundry
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 21, 2005
1. Knight Foundry Marker
This site is the last water powered foundry and machine shop in California. A 42 inch Knight Wheel drives the main line shaft, with smaller water motors powering other machines.
Erected 1992 by State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Carl W. Borch and Historic Knight & Co., LTD, October 24, 1992. (Marker Number 1007.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Landmarks • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the ASME Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmarks, the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 38° 23.566′ N, 120° 48.088′ W. Marker is in Sutter
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cribbs Field (within shouting distance of this marker); Provis Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Pine Woods (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); General John A. Sutter (about 400 feet away); Sutter Creek United Methodist Church (about 400 feet away); Robert Carlton Downs (about 400 feet away); William Barker Hubbell (about 400 feet away); Bellotti Inn (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sutter Creek.
Also see . . . Knight Foundry.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 21, 2005
2. Smaller Plaque Under the Main Marker
Since 1873
Dedicated by
Amapola Parlor No. 80 N.D.G.W.
Amador Parlor No. 17 N.S.G.W.
November 11, 1967
Additional commentary.
1. Knight Foundry Marker
Unlike other California State Historical Markers which are cast in bronze, this marker is cast in iron (steel?)and was done at the foundry.
— Submitted May 14, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 21, 2005
3. Knight Foundry Marker
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 21, 2005
4. One of the Knight Foundry buildings
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 21, 2005
5. Information Posted Near the Marker
The only water powered foundry in the United States in continuous operation since 1873. The water wheel made by Sam Knight was used world wide. Of special design the 7 ft. one had power to run the big stamp mills in the gold mining days. The 42 in. one is used here. Heavy dredgers for the Bay City and Seattle harbors were made here and hauled by mule-team to the train depot to be shipped. Alaska and Denver are now on their customer list. Herman Nelson-skilled workman is present owner-November 1967. Placed by Amador County Historical Society.
Note: The foundry is not in operation at this time, but is in the process of being purchased and restored by the Knight Foundry Co.
Note: The foundry is not in operation at this time, but is in the process of being purchased and restored by the Knight Foundry Co.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 11, 2005
6. Knight Foundry National Register of Historic Places marker
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 21, 2005
7. Building displaying National Register of Historical Places marker
Published by L.E. Lindholm, Photographer, Stockton, Ca.
8. Knight Foundry
Description on Postcard:
Knight Foundry
Sutter Creek, California
The only water powered foundry in the United States in continuous operation since 1873. The oldest metal lathe in the U.S. was made here. The water wheel made by Sam Knight was used world-wide. Harmon Nelson, skilled workman is the present owner, Nov. 1967.
Photographed by James King, March 10, 2018
9. NSGW Dedication Marker
Knight Foundry (1873) and Native Sons of the Golden West (1875) were formed in the same era of California development and progress. Since 1875, countless native sons have passed through the doors of Knight Foundry to design, manufacture and repair the machinery of industry that has made Californias diverse economy blossom and expand. Amador Parlor #17 and all Native Sons continue to support the survival of Knight Foundry as a living national treasure. To honor the memory of our brothers, and preserve forever, this early example of manufacturing history, skill and ingenuity that made California great. To perpetuate in the minds of all native Californians the memories of the days of 49 to encourage a lively interest in all matters and measures relating to the promotion of the national interests in all matters and to the upbuilding of the state of California.
Native Sons of the Golden West
Erik M. Christesen, Grand President
Amador Parlor #17, Scott Fritz, President
Photographed by James King, March 10, 2018
10. ASME Marker
Knight Foundry
Established 1873
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers - 1994
NL113
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,330 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on December 21, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 18, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 8. submitted on November 9, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 9, 10. submitted on June 29, 2021, by James King of San Miguel, California.
