Tehachapi in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Arrastra at Railroad Park

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 17, 2011

1. Arrastra at Railroad Park Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The arrastra was a very primitive way of milling or crushing gold ore, using a mule walking in a circle and “drag” stones, a method brought to the New World by the Spaniards. The Tehachapi Heritage League moved the arrastra to this location stone by stone. This arrastra was in danger of being eroded and destroyed by runoff water at its original site at Water Canyon Creek

Erected by Techachapi Heritage League. (Marker Number 16.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 35° 7.921′ N, 118° 26.727′ W. Marker is in Tehachapi, California, in Kern County. Marker is on Tehachapi Boulevard. This marker is located in Railroad Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 209 Tehachapi Boulevard, Tehachapi CA 93561, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Muro House (within shouting distance of this marker); Former Richfield Service Station (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1915 Street Dance Mural (about 300 feet away);

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Tehachapi Pass (about 400 feet away); Site of the Kessing Building (about 600 feet away); The Legend of Avelino Martinez (about 600 feet away); Beekay Theatre (about 600 feet away); Cement Production in Tehachapi (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tehachapi.

Also see . . .
1. Arrastra - Wikipedia. An Arrastra (or Arastra) is a primitive mill for grinding and pulverizing (typically) gold or silver ore. (Submitted on December 7, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

2. The Tehachapi Museum. (Submitted on December 11, 2011.)

Additional keywords. mining,

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 17, 2011

2. Arrastra at Railroad Park Marker

The Arrastra at Railroad Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 17, 2011

3. The Arrastra at Railroad Park

Venturi’s Arrastra image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 17, 2011

4. Venturi’s Arrastra

Circa 1880's Gold bearing quartz was crushed by using a mule to pull the drag stone around in this gravel pit. The arrastra was moved with permission of owner Bud Lutce, from the original site in Water Canyon and restored by the Tehachapi Heritage League in 1986.