Near Groveland in Tuolumne County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Big Gap Flume
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 1, 2012
1. Big Gap Flume Marker
In 1859 a wooden suspension flume 2200’ long was constructed across this valley by G.W. Holt and August Conrad as a link in the Golden Rock Ditch system which conveyed the water of the South Fork of the Tuolumne River to the mining areas of Groveland (Garrote) and Big Oak Flat. It was rightfully considered one of California’s early day engineering marvels, and is said to have been the highest major flume constructed during the Gold Rush period.The flume decayed and fell with a spectacular crash in 1868. In 1869 it was replaced by Andrew Rocca with an inverted syphon – the large iron pipe which still remains in place as a monument to pioneer enterprise.
Erected 1975 by Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors, Tuolumne County Historical Society. (Marker Number 5-1975.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Chinese Heritage Sites of the American West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 37° 49.124′ N,
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 1, 2012
2. Big Gap Flume Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. In Memory of David Erickson (approx. 0.9 miles away); Coulterville Toll Road (approx. 5.1 miles away); Second Garrote (approx. 7.7 miles away); Arrastra (approx. 9½ miles away); Groveland Hotel (approx. 9.6 miles away); Iron Door Saloon (approx. 9.6 miles away); Groveland (approx. 9.7 miles away); Sun Sun Wo Co. (approx. 10.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Groveland.
More about this marker. This marker is located at Buck Meadows, 11 miles east of Groveland, in the Stanislaus National Forest. Take the second entrance, left when heading east, into Buck Meadows Restaurant and Lodge, then an immediate right onto an unnamed side street. To get to the "inverted syphon," proceed 100 feet beyond the gate (visible at the marker).
Also see . . . Big Gap Flume. Explore APA heritage entry (Submitted on January 28, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 1, 2012
3. The Inverted Syphon Pipe
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 1, 2012
4. The Inverted Syphon Pipe
via Explore APA heritage, 1868
5. Big Gap Flume
Photo was taken between 1860 and 1868 on the southern end of the Big Gap Flume. Photo courtesy Tuolumne County Historical Society.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 656 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 7, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5. submitted on January 28, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
