Angels Camp in Calaveras County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Monitor
California Hydraulic Mining
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 17, 2012
1. The Monitor Marker
Photo Caption:
Hydraulic mining for gold in California, from The Century Magazine January 1883
Hydraulic mining for gold in California, from The Century Magazine January 1883
Hydraulic Mining was the largest and most destructive form of mining. Water, brought through flumes and ditches from high up in the mountains, was redirected into an ever-narrowing channel and out through a giant iron nozzle, called a "monitor." This high pressure stream of water was used to wash entire hillsides through enormous sluices to recover the placer gold.
By the early 1880s, it is estimated that 11 million ounces of gold had been recovered by hydraulic mining in California. However, hydraulic mining had a devastating effect on the environment, causing pollution in rivers and streams. Due to the environmental issues and lawsuits put forth by farmers, it was essentially outlawed in California in 1884. This monitor is believed to date to the late 19th century.
Erected by Angels Camp Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.
Location. 38° 4.576′ N, 120° 32.828′ W. Marker is in Angels
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Whim (here, next to this marker); Gold Furnace (here, next to this marker); Water Wheel (here, next to this marker); Hogarth Stamp Mill (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Hogarth Stamp Mill (a few steps from this marker); The Hogarth Family (a few steps from this marker); Just Jenny (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Camp 9 Powerhouse Pelton Wheel (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Angels Camp.
Also see . . . Gold Fever Giant Gold Machines. Water was diverted into ditches and wooden flumes at high elevations, and gravity did the rest. Channeled through heavy iron pipes, the water exploded from a nozzle far below with a force of 5,000 pounds. (Submitted on June 21, 2012.)
Photographed By Larry Gertner
2. Monitors in action at French Corral in 1870
"Monitors - Water Cannons of Hydraulic Mining"
Snowy Range Reflections website entry:
Journal of Sierra Nevada History & Biography presents an article giving full details of the monitor and hydraulic mining. It includes the effects on the environment, and historic photos.
Click for more information.
Snowy Range Reflections website entry:
Journal of Sierra Nevada History & Biography presents an article giving full details of the monitor and hydraulic mining. It includes the effects on the environment, and historic photos.
Click for more information.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 17, 2012
3. The Monitor and Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 17, 2012
4. The Monitor Manufacturer
Iron Works
S.F. Cal.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 736 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 21, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on July 18, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4. submitted on June 21, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
