Fairbanks in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)

Placer Drill

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 18, 2024

1. Placer Drill Marker

Inscription.

This drill was used in the Preacher Creek area during the early 20th Century, where it sat for decades until its restoration by Eagle Scout Seth Santoro of the Midnight Sun Council, Troop 92 in 2016. Drills were used to determine the presence of gold deposits by obtaining soil samples prior to mine development.

Erected by Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Man-Made Features.

Location. 64° 50.321′ N, 147° 46.56′ W. Marker is in Fairbanks, Alaska, in Fairbanks North Star Borough. It can be reached from Airport Way. Marker is in the Alaska Salmon Bake area of Pioneer Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks AK 99701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Alaska Railroad Corridor,

in the Athabascan Region,

and in Interior Alaska.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Steam Operated Shovel (here, next to this marker); Alaska's First Pipeline (here, next to this marker); Citizen's Mill (1909-1915) (a few steps from this marker); Model Dredge (a few steps from this marker); Stamp Milling (a few steps from this marker); Pioneering Prospectors

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(a few steps from this marker); The Arduous Work of Prospecting in Alaska (a few steps from this marker); Some of the First Men to Prospect the Fairbanks District Mining Claims (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairbanks.

Placer Drill and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 18, 2024

2. Placer Drill and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 138 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 24, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.