Browns Valley in Yuba County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Donnebrouge Mine

1863

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 7, 2012

1. Donnebrouge Mine Marker

Inscription. Beyond this marker, the "head frame" for the mine still stands while most of the other structures were destroyed over time.

Extensive vertical shafts or "winzes" are honey-combed throughout the area, some of which are reportedly as deep as 1700 ft. These shafts were used to access the gold bearing quartz.

Known as a hard rock mine, the "pay dirt" was brought to a stamp mill, where the ore was crushed and an amalgamation process was used to separate the gold from the rock using mercury. It is said this mine produced millions of dollars in gold ore in its lifetime.

Last mined in the 1950's the shafts are now flooded by water from the Yuba River.

Erected 2011 by Wm. Bull Meek – Wm. Morris Stewart, Chapter No. 10, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1700.

Location. 39° 14.524′ N, 121° 24.554′ W. Marker is in Browns Valley, California, in Yuba County. It is on Marysville Road one mile north of Browns

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Valley Road (California Highway 20), on the left when traveling north. The marker is accessible from the road, however the mine ruins are located on private property and not accessible to the public. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5589 Marysville Road, Browns Valley CA 95918, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Metro,

in Sacramento Valley,

and specifically in the Central Valley.

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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Browns Valley: 1850 – 1860 (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Brown's Valley: Beginnings (about 700 feet away); Henness Pass Road – Brown’s Valley (approx. 0.9 miles away); Hammon Grove (approx. one mile away); Timbuctoo (approx. 1.7 miles away); a different marker also named Timbuctoo (approx.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 7, 2012

2. Donnebrouge Mine Marker

4.3 miles away); The Yuba River Bridge at Parks Bar (approx. 4.4 miles away); Loma Rica Grange Hall #802 (approx. 4.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Browns Valley.

Donnebrouge Mine Sign Near the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 7, 2012

3. Donnebrouge Mine Sign Near the Marker

Note the difference in the spelling.

Mine Tailings as Seen From the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 7, 2012

4. Mine Tailings as Seen From the Marker

Donnebrouge Mine Tailings image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 7, 2012

5. Donnebrouge Mine Tailings

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 7, 2012

6. Donnebrouge Mine Tailings

Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,424 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 8, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.