Angels Camp in Calaveras County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Serpentine Drill Core Section

Photographed by James King, December 24, 2016

1. Serpentine Drill Core Section Marker

Inscription. This core section was created in 1934 while boring an air/service shaft for the Idaho-Maryland Mine in Grass Valley, California. The overseer of this demanding project was mining engineer J.B. Newsome. Reputed to be the largest drill core of its type at the time, each 5 ft. diameter by 7 ft. long solid serpentine section weighs around 9-1/2 tons. The drilling was accomplished with a sophisticated combination of core barrel cutter and core puller. As the barrel slowly advanced, every seven feet, the core section would be broken off and removed with the puller. The power to accomplish this was provided by a 100 hp electric motor driving a shaft via a "noiseless" link belt and reduction gear. The entire machine, operator included was continually raised and lowered with its hoisting gear until it reached the final depth of 1125 ft. In 1954 this core section was transported here by the California Forest Service after it was donated to the museum by M.E. Hammill of the Idaho-Maryland Mine Corp. At the same time a similar specimen was donated to the Calaveras County fairgrounds where it remains to this day.

Erected by Angels

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Camp Museum, sponsored by Native Sons of the Golden West in memory of esteemed member Millard Smallin.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list.

Location. 38° 4.527′ N, 120° 32.743′ W. Marker is in Angels Camp, California, in Calaveras County. It can be reached from South Main Street (California Route 49). This marker and exhibit are on the south side of the museum's horseshoe driveway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 753 South Main Street, Angels Camp CA 95222, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Gold Country

and in the 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

Photographed by James King, December 24, 2016

2. Serpentine Drill Core Section & Marker

of this marker: Stalactite/Stalagmite (here, next to this marker); Ol' Beth (here, next to this marker); Signal Cannon/Utica Mine Ore Car/Arrastra Model (a few steps from this marker); Bells (a few steps from this marker); Camp 9 Powerhouse Pelton Wheel (a few steps from this marker); Just Jenny (a few steps from this marker); Hogarth Stamp Mill (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Hogarth Stamp Mill (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Angels Camp.

Serpentine Drill Core Section image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James King, December 24, 2016

3. Serpentine Drill Core Section

Serpentine Drill Core Section End image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James King, December 24, 2016

4. Serpentine Drill Core Section End

Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2017. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2017, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 640 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 26, 2017, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.