Custer City in Custer County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Arrastra
Simple but effective...
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 25, 2017
1. Arrastra Marker
Crushing ore played a major role in the gold refining process. Different types of crushing methods were employed and changed with the times. Arrastras used a circular floor of tightly laid blocks of stone as a grinding surface. Ore was spread thinly across this surface and then finely ground by a heavy "drag" stone, usually animal powered. Gold could then be recovered from the ground ore by adding mercury and creating an amalgam mixture. Heat was used to separate the mercury from the gold in the retorting process.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 44° 23.271′ N, 114° 41.718′ W. Marker is in Custer City, Idaho, in Custer County. It is on Custer Motorway Adventure Road - Yankee Fork Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 28523 Custer Mtwy, Stanley ID 83278, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Idaho Sawtooth Range. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Blacksmith (here, next to this marker); Stamp Mill (a few steps from this marker); General Custer Mill (a few steps from this marker); Pfeiffer Residence (a few steps from this marker); Assay Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Stone House (within shouting distance of this marker); Chilean Mill and Jig (within shouting distance of this marker); Custer Jail (site) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Custer City.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 25, 2017
2. Arrastra and Marker
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer
3. A Restored Arrastra at Groveland, CA
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 348 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 9, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
