Nevada City in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Monitor

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 13, 2011

1. The Monitor Marker

Inscription.
The first hydraulic mining originated on American Hill near Nevada City, California in 1853. This miners (sic) giant known as The Monitor washed hillsides away under high pressure uncovering gold bearing gravel beds. This mining technique flourished profitably until 1884 when the Sawyer decision closed hydraulic mining. Rivers were being filled with mud debris causing flooding of the rich farmlands below.

Erected 1965 by Hydraulic Parlor No. 56 Native Sons of the Golden West.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 39° 15.746′ N, 121° 1.048′ W. Marker is in Nevada City, California, in Nevada County. It is on Broad Street near Union Alley. Marker is located at Calanan Park located across the street from the National Hotel. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Broad Street, Nevada City CA 95959, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

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: Hydraulic Gold Mining 21-Inch Gate Valve (here, next to this marker); Nevada City, The “Queen City of the Northern Mines” (a few steps from this marker); Shaft Drill Core (a few steps from this marker); The National Hotel (within shouting distance

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of this marker); National Exchange Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Ladies of the Evening (within shouting distance of this marker); Robinson Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); Pelton Water Wheel (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nevada City.

Also see . . . Giant Gold Machines - Hydraulic Mining. Oakland Museum of California website entry:
“An ancient northern California river once laid down an immense bed of gold-bearing gravel. There had to be an easy way of getting down to the ancient streambeds now buried in the mountains. There was: hydraulic mining.” (Submitted on February 18, 2011.)

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 13, 2011

2. The Monitor Marker

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 13, 2011

3. The Monitor

Calanan Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 13, 2011

4. Calanan Park

Granted to the City of Nevada City
by the United States through the
Department of the Interior
1971

Hydraulic Mining Near French Corral, Nevada County image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lawrence & Houseworth,, 1866

5. Hydraulic Mining Near French Corral, Nevada County

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Hydraulic Mining - Behind the Pipes in the Kennebec Claim, Birchville, Nevada County image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lawrence & Houseworth,, 1866

6. Hydraulic Mining - Behind the Pipes in the Kennebec Claim, Birchville, Nevada County

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 794 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 18, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.