Midpines in Mariposa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Whitlock Mining District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2011
1. Whitlock Mining District Marker
This monument is located in the Whitlock Mining District, which is on the eastern Mother Lode gold vein and includes the Colorado, Sherlock Creek and Whiskey Flat areas. Placer and lode mining began in 1849. 49er’s Lafayette Bunnell, Champlin Spencer, Thomas Whitlock and John Sherlock and a Monte dealer from Quartzburg have all been credited with being the sole discoverer of the rich gold deposits.
Over 70 lode mines, such as the Buffalo Champion 2, Colorado, Diltz, Geary, Golden Key, King Solomon, Landrum, Nutmeg, Our Chance, Permit, Schroeder, Spread Eagle and Whitlock have been recorded in the District since the 1850’s, with several of them operating stamp mills, including a 20 stamp battery at the Whitlock Mine. Post Offices opened in the towns of Colorado in 1858 and Whitlock in 1899.
In 1932 a mass of specimen gold weighing 52 pounds (Troy) was taken at the Diltz Mine. It yielded 43 pounds 2 ounces of gold. Midpines was started as a resort lodge in 1926 by Newell Chamberlain, who authored “The Call of Gold” and became the community’s first postmaster in 1929. The mining towns of Whitlock, Colorado, and Sherlock no longer exist.
Erected 2008 by E Clampus Vitus, Matuca Chapter No. 1849.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
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Location. 37° 33.073′ N, 119° 55.413′ W. Marker is in Midpines, California, in Mariposa County. Marker is on State Highway 140, on the left when traveling south. The marker is located in front of the Midpines Country Store which is located at the intersection of Highway 140 and Carstens Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6428 California Highway 140, Midpines CA 95345, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Shrine to Justice in California (approx. 4.9 miles away); Mariposa County Court House (approx. 4.9 miles away); a different marker also named Mariposa County Court House (approx. 4.9 miles away); Mariposa County Courthouse (approx. 4.9 miles away); Mariposa Museum and History Center (approx. 5 miles away); Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail (approx. 5.1 miles away); Mariposa Independent Order Odd Fellows Hall (approx. 5.1 miles away); John Trabucco Building (approx. 5.1 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Whitlock Mine - Mariposa County. A chronological history of the Whitlock
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2011
2. Whitlock Mining District Marker
2. Whitlock District - Western Mining History. The Whitlock District is in west-central Mariposa County five miles north of the town of Mariposa. (Submitted on August 24, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
3. Ghost Towns of Maripsa Co., W. Ghost Towns U.S.A. website entry:
Scroll down to "Whitlock Mining District" for a list, and links, to mines in the Whitlock Mining District. (Submitted on August 24, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,054 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
