Almaden in New Almaden in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Bell Tower

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 17, 2018

1. The Bell Tower Marker

Inscription.
In 1874, a fire swept through the New Almaden community destroying many miner's homes. To prevent the recurrence of such a disaster, mine manager James Randol organized a local bucket brigade and ordered the construction of a bell tower and a system of fire hydrants.

The original bell towner was constructed just inside the main gate to the Hacienda Reduction Works, about 50 feet north of the current park entrance on Almaden Road. In addition to the bell, which was used to alert the bucket brigade, the tower housed a hose cart. Both the bell and hose cart were used on many occasions over the years.

Erected by Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association and Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list.

Location. 37° 10.434′ N, 121° 49.488′ W. Marker is in New Almaden, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Almaden. Marker is on Almaden Road near Bertram Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21744 Almaden Road, San Jose CA 95120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of First Mining in California (within shouting distance of this marker); Patrick Tillman

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Hard Rock Miners (within shouting distance of this marker); Vichy Springs (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of First Mining Operation in California (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Reduction Works (within shouting distance of this marker); New Almaden’s Civil War Crisis (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint Anthony Catholic Church (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Almaden.

More about this marker. The bell tower is located in the Hacienda Entrance parking lot of Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

The Bell Tower and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 17, 2018

2. The Bell Tower and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 320 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 5, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.