Downieville in Sierra County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Downieville Foundry

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

1. Downieville Foundry Marker

Inscription. Built in 1855 by Soloman Purdy of timbers mortised and fastened with wooden pegs. The “coke” and pig iron used was shipped “Around the Horn” to San Francisco then by pack train to Downieville at a cost of $40.00 per ton. The foundry operated at full capacity for many years furnishing tools and machinery to the local mines, including most of the machinery for the 40-stamp Sierra Buttes Mill. In 1869 the Transcontinental Railroad completion allowed for cheaper goods, leading to gradual decline. In 1910 owner Converse York installed a dam, race way and generator across the road, furnishing electric power to the town. In 1995 a nonprofit corporation of local citizens led by Len Kinzler purchased the structure to preserve and serve as a museum.

Erected 2005 by Major William Downie Chapter 1849, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.

Location. 39° 33.681′ N, 120° 49.517′ W. Marker is in Downieville, California, in

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Sierra County. It is on Pearl Street east of Commercial Street (California Highway 49), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 160 Pearl Street, Downieville CA 95936, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

on 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: Downieville Brewery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Arrastra (about 600 feet away); Downieville Museum (about 600 feet away); Major William Downie Cabin Site (about 700 feet away); Josefa Segovia (about 700 feet away); Downieville (about 700 feet away); Mackerman & Company Building (about 800 feet away); Downieville Historic Riverfront District (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Downieville.

Downieville Foundry and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

2. Downieville Foundry and Marker

The marker is mounted on the far right.

Downieville Foundry image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

3. Downieville Foundry

The Foundry is open for tours by appointment only.

Downieville Foundry Model image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

4. Downieville Foundry Model

This model of the foundry is on display at the Downieville Museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 992 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 6, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.