Randsburg in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Fiddler’s Gulch
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 7, 2025
1. Fiddler’s Gulch Marker
In the late 1800's, the old timers dug for gold along this gulch. Named Fiddler's Gulch for the many miners playing their fiddles at the close of the day.
Because of the lack of water in the desert, the miners used a machine called a 'Drywasher' to extract the gold particles from the dirt. The dirt had to be dry for it to work efficiently. It operated by a bellows system, puffing the lighter dirt and rock out of the riffle tray while the heavy gold slid down behind the riffles. (Gold is 19 times heavier than water and almost twice as heavy as lead).
The Rand Mining District is rich in history and gold!
www.RandDesertMuseum.com · www.RedMtnKellySilver.com · www.oc49er.com · www.ProspectorsClub.org · www.TaftProspectors.com · www.CrazyForGold007.com
Erected by The Owl Cafe.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 35° 22.235′ N, 117° 39.377′ W. Marker is in Randsburg, California, in Kern County. It is on Redrock Randsburg Road south of Goler Road,
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Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, in the Mojave Desert, 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 Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Yellow Aster Gold Mine (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Randsburg, California (about 600 feet away); White House Saloon (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Joint (approx. 0.2 miles away); D.T. Jones Dry Goods (approx. 0.2 miles away); Randsburg Drug Store (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Commercial Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named The Joint (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 7, 2025
2. Fiddler’s Gulch and Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 7, 2025
3. Dry Washer
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 211 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 13, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
