Near Elk City in Idaho County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Buffalo Pit

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 5, 2018

1. Buffalo Pit Marker

Inscription. An exceptionally large hydraulic pit, left by massive placer mining in this area, still can be seen 1 mile from here.
Buffalo company miners using hydraulic giants -- large metal hoses with nozzles that could direct a stream of water under high pressure -- cut away a large hillside deposit of placer gold. Long ditches and flumes were employed to bring water in at an elevation sufficient to gain pressure enough to operate their giants.

Erected by Idaho Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 370.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list.

Location. 45° 48.714′ N, 115° 28.41′ W. Marker is near Elk City, Idaho, in Idaho County. Marker is on State Highway 14 at milepost 47 near Red River Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elk City ID 83525, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Elk City Townsite (approx. ¼ mile away); Nez Perce Trail (approx. 2 miles away); Elk City (approx. 2 miles away).

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Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 5, 2018

2. Buffalo Pit Marker

Hydraulic Mining image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer

3. Hydraulic Mining

Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 7, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.