Near Keeler in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Dolomite Mine
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 30, 2023
1. Dolomite Mine Marker
In 1862 this high quality deposit of dolomitic limestone was discovered. Its remorte location delayed development until 1883, when the Carson & Colorado Railroad was constructed. In 1885, Drew Haven Dunn filed a mining claim and the Inyo Marble Company began quarrying operations. The property was purchased in 1959 by Premiere Marble Products. They produced dolomite marble in several colors and its final product is widely used in terrazzo flooring, roofing, landscaping and in swimming pool and chemical filters.
Premiere Marble was purchased by its present owner F.W. Aggregates in 1992 and continues operation to this day. It is the largest dolomite marble mine in the United States. A recent survey of the mines potential revealed that the dolomite deposit is approximately seven miles long and 1,400 feet deep, giving it a virtual unlimited supply for many years to come. Plant superintendent Manuel Castro has generously donated these large white dolomite rocks for Slim Princess Chapter's historic plaques for the past 35 years.
Erected 2006 by Slim Princess Chapter No. 395 E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources
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Location. 36° 32.459′ N, 117° 55.884′ W. Marker is near Keeler, California, in Inyo County. It is at the intersection of California Route 136 and Dolomite Loop (east end) on California Route 136. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Keeler CA 93530, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Traces of the Past (approx. 1.1 miles away); Gifts of Rock and Water (approx. 1.4 miles away); New Water, New Life (approx. 1.7 miles away); Owens Lake Silver-Lead Furnace (approx. 1.8 miles away); Owens Lake Dust Mitigation Program (approx. 3.4 miles away); Keeler Then to Now (approx. 4.8 miles away); Keeler (approx. 4.9 miles away); Cerro Gordo (approx. 5.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Keeler.
Also see . . .
1. Stone Quarries and Beyond - Inyo County. (Submitted on April 2, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California.)
2. Ghost Town Trail. A YouTube video driving tour complete with photos. (Submitted on July 20, 2018.)
Photographed by Michael Kindig, November 10, 2013
2. Dolomite Mine Marker
Photographed by Michael Kindig, November 10, 2013
3. Dolomite Mine Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 30, 2023
4. Dolomite Mine Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 2,042 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 30, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3. submitted on March 25, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 4. submitted on April 30, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
