Nevada City in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Pelton Wheel Manufacturing Site

Photographed by Syd Whittle, December 29, 2006

1. Pelton Wheel Manufacturing Site Marker

Inscription.
The Pelton Water Wheel, first commercially manufactured here at George Allan’s Foundry & Machine Works in 1879, was a major advancement in water power utilization and greatly advanced hard-rock mining. Its unique feature was a series of paired buckets, shaped like bowls of spoons and separated by a splitter, that divided the incoming water jets into two parts. By the late 1800, Pelton Wheels were providing energy to operate industrial machinery throughout the world. In 1888, Lester Pelton moved his business to San Francisco, but granted continuing manufacturing rights to Allan’s Foundry, where the wheels were manufactured into the early 1900’s, when most local mines shifted to electric power.

Erected 1994 by The State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with The Nevada County Cultural Preservation Trust and Pacific Gas & Electric Co., May 11, 1994. (Marker Number 1012.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. 39° 15.73′ N, 121° 1.184′ W. Marker is in Nevada City, California, in Nevada County. It can

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

be reached from Spring Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 325 Spring Street, Nevada City CA 95959, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in 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 of this marker: English and New Salmon Mine Stamp Mill (here, next to this marker); Miners Foundry – Allans Machine Shop (here, next to this marker); Powell Home (within shouting distance of this marker); 400 Broad Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Nevada Theater (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nevada County Traction Company (about 300 feet away); The Flagg Building (about 300 feet away); Kidd & Knox Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nevada City.

Regarding Pelton Wheel Manufacturing Site. This site has been designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.1012

Also see . . . Miners Foundry Cultural Center - Our History. Center website entry (Submitted on October 21, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Photographed by Syd Whittle, December 29, 2006

2. Pelton Wheel Manufacturing Site Marker

English and New Salmon Mine Stamp Mill marker is underneath this marker.

The Pelton Wheel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, December 29, 2006

3. The Pelton Wheel

The Miners Foundry and Allan's Machine Shop marker is attached to the wheel.

The Foundry Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, December 29, 2006

4. The Foundry Building

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,432 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 21, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.