Near Page in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Spencer Boiler

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, December 7, 2025

1. Spencer Boiler Marker

Inscription.
Steam engine to pump water for Charles H. Spencer's mining experiments

Erected 1910
Boiler hauled from Flagstaff behind an ox-team

In his first attempt to extract gold, Spencer set up a pipe dredge across the river. The boiler produced steam that ran engines to pump water and air down a pipe into the ground. Theoretically it would force sand and gold up through a casing. Unfortunately for Spencer, the pipe only went down a few feet before hitting rock. The experiment failed.

(photo caption) Pipelines in foreground ran to the boiler, 1911

Erected by Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.

Location. 36° 51.998′ N, 111° 34.995′ W. Marker is near Page, Arizona, in Coconino County. It can be reached from Spencer Trail. Marker located along the Historic District River Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Page AZ 86040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Flagstaff & High Country,

in the Navajo Nation,

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and in Hopi.

It is also in the American Southwest,

in the Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and 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: Lees Ferry (here, next to this marker); Mining the Chinle Shale 1910-11 (a few steps from this marker); Water Intake (within shouting distance of this marker); USGS Guesthouse/Spencer Bunkhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic District River Trail (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Lee's Ferry (about 600 feet away); American Placer Corporation Office (about 700 feet away); Lees Ferry Fort (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Page.

Spencer Boiler and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, December 7, 2025

2. Spencer Boiler and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2026, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 46 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 1, 2026, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.