Gold Hill in Placer County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Hydraulic Mining
Hydraulic mining shaped the reddish cliffs along this highway corridor. From the 1850’s until 1885 jets of water were used to break down gold-laden gravel and to wash the material through gold separating devises called sluices. This practice was halted by Federal injunction. During those 30 years it is estimated that hydraulic mining in the state yielded over $100 million in gold.
Erected 2009 by State Department of Transportation and the Placer County Historical Society, June 3, 2009.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. 39° 10.92′ N, 120° 51.337′ W. Marker is in Gold Hill, California, in Placer County. Marker is on Interstate 80. Marker is located at the Gold Hill Safety Rest Area - Westbound Interstate 80 between Sawmill and Gold Run Overcrossings. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gold Run CA 95717, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Chinese Railroad Workers (approx. ¼ mile away); Gold Run (approx. half a mile away); Adobe Store Building (approx. 1.8 miles away); Dutch Flat (approx. 2 miles away); Cape Horn Promontory (approx. 5.2 miles away); The Stevens Trail (approx. 5.2 miles away); Iowa Hill (approx. 5.3 miles away); Truckee Trail - Forks Right & Left (approx. 6.4 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Giant Gold Machines – Hydraulic Mining. An article by the Oakland Museum of California. (Submitted on October 26, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. A Collection of Historic Photos. This series of photographs, from the Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum, show hydraulic mining in the Gold Hill area near the marker. (Submitted on October 26, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Additional keywords. Hydraulic Mining, Gold Rush
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,336 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 26, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.