Almaden in San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

English Camp

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 9, 2012

1. English Camp Marker

[Photo caption:]
You are standing amidst the remains of English Camp – a mining community that at one time was home to as many as 1,000 men, women and children. English Camp was formed in the early 1860s by a group of hearty hard-rock miners who had immigrated from Cornwall, England. It was a rough life in rugged terrain for these “Cousin Jacks”, yet mining families were bound by a strong sense of community.

Inscription.
[Side-bar on left:]
Once a Bustling
Community Within view stood English Cam’s Methodist Church, Company Store, Mine Office, School House, Centennial Hall, Helping Hand Hall and a multitude of family cabins. As quicksilver production declined at New Almaden in the early 1900s, the majority of miners left this area and vacant buildings fell into disrepair. Many were later pulled down by the Army Corp of Engineers or used as training ground for the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

The few remaining traces of life in English Camp serve only as a reminder of a past era that contributed greatly to California history and the development of Santa Clara Valley.

Erected by New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list.

Location. 37° 10.719′ N, 121° 50.385′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Almaden. It is on English Camp Trail. The marker is located in Almaden Quicksilver County Park at English Camp

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on the English Camp Trail near the intersection of the Castillero Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Jose CA 95120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Silicon Valley,

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

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: Site of English Town (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Mt. Madonna (within shouting distance of this marker); English Camp School (within shouting distance of this marker); The Yellow Kid (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The “Main Tunnel” (approx. 0.2 miles away); Day Tunnel (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mining Operations (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Rossi Retort (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 9, 2012

2. English Camp Marker

One of the few remaining signs of this community is seen in the background.

Detail from the English Camp Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 9, 2012

3. Detail from the English Camp Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,051 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 18, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.