Johannesburg in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The King Solomon Mine
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 26, 2020
1. King Solomon Mine Marker
The King Solomon Mine here in Johannesburg had lots of gold pulled out of this mine and some speculate that it may be an extension of the Butte Mine over the hill in Randsburg. Historically the site has been associated with the Rand Mining District which is now part of the Golden Valley Wilderness. The King Solomon Mine was closed at the time of data entry with no known plans to re-open. Production size when active was considered to be small. Mine operations consist of underground workings. There is one known shaft. Subsurface depth reaches a maximum of 168 meters (550 feet) and extends 3,048 meters (10,000 feet) in length. The ore body is described as having an irregular shape of unknown dimensions. Associated rock in this area is quartz monzonite.
The Randsburg Miner - April 23, 1915:
"The King Solomon group of mines, comprising seven claims, were located in 1896 by the three Ashford brothers, Rhoda, Henry, and Harold, and are situated just east of the town, on the main road to Johannesburg. Having no money of their own to spend in developing the property they took in a Mr. Bull as a partner. After three years of legal entanglements, the Bull interests were taken over by Miller."
photo captions:
King Solomon Mill at Johannesburg, with Crew in front.
this page online
Max Hess - Operator of King Solomon Mill in the 30's and one of the first curators of the Rand Desert Museum.
Erected by The Owl Cafe.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 35° 22.007′ N, 117° 38.501′ W. Marker is in Johannesburg, California, in Kern County. It is at the intersection of Sunset Avenue and Fremont Street, on the left when traveling west on Sunset Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Johannesburg CA 93528, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, and in the Sierra Nevada. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rand District Community Cemetery (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rand District Cemetery (about 700 feet away); The Consolidated Gold Mine (approx. half a mile away); The Baltic Mine (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Commercial Hotel (approx. 0.8 miles away); Rand Mining District (approx. 0.8 miles away); Rand Desert Museum (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Joint (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Johannesburg.
Also see . . . The Owl Cafe - - Mining History. (Submitted on September 7, 2021.)
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 26, 2020
2. King Solomon Mine and Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 26, 2020
3. King Solomon Mine
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,393 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 7, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
