Almaden in San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
New Almaden
(The New Mine)
— After Almaden Mine in Spain —
The first workable quicksilver mine in North America – First mine of any kind in California – First worked 1824 – Denounced November 1845. Has produced more metallic wealth than any individual gold mine in California. Its discovery freed all American gold and silver mines from Spanish domination for until 1887, quicksilver was a pre-requisite in the reduction of precious metals. Favorable adjudication of its title in 1865 protected all Western mining titles and saved California and Nevada for the Union.
Erected 1954 by New Almaden Historical Society. (Marker Number 339.)
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, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1824.
Location. 37° 10.699′ N, 121° 49.05′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Almaden. Marker is on Bertram Way, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located at the town park next to the flagpole. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. New Almaden Quicksilver Mine (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Casa Grande (about 700 feet away); Hacienda School (about 700 feet away); Hacienda Cemetery (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Hacienda Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Randol Family Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Young House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Huttner House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.
More about this marker. This is California Historical Landmark (No. 339).
Regarding New Almaden. Noted on marker: The drilling block is from mine barbecue grounds.
Also see: Other nearby markers regarding New Almaden for additional information.
Also see . . . New Almaden. National Park Service entry (Submitted on October 24, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Additional commentary.
1. This Site Has Been Designated as a National Historic Landmark:
Statement of Significance (as of designation - July 4, 1961):
Santa Clara Indians had used cinnabar from this site long before 1824, when information provided by them led Mexican settlers to the first quicksilver deposits identified in North America. Europeans used the mercury in the ore to facilitate the mining of gold and silver. The site was named after the world's greatest quicksilver mine, Almaden, in Spain. Mercury from New Almaden's mines was essential to the mining process during the gold rush.
— Submitted October 24, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
2. This Site Has Been Designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.339:
The Indians used pigment from this cinnabar hill for paint. Mercury was mined as early as 1845. The gold discovery made mercury indispensable, and the mine, the most productive in America, became world famous. It sold for $1,700,700 in 1864.
Here, along Arroyo de los Alamitos Creek, Luís Cabolla and Antonio Suñol did the first mining in California as they worked New Almaden ore in their arrastra. In constant production since 1845, the mine has produced more than a million flasks of quicksilver valued at over $50 million.
— Submitted October 24, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Additional keywords. Mining, California Historical Landmark, CHL
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,727 times since then and 10 times this year. Last updated on March 10, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 24, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on December 8, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.