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The Mining Claims of Calaveras County
This map of Calaveras County, California, was compiled by H.W.H. Penniman, a state-licensed surveyor based in San Andreas, California, in 1899.
The map presents a detailed grid layout of the county, including the boundaries of various townships and ranges. The map identifies township and range numbers, offering a comprehensive reference for numerous mining claims, which were prominent in the county during the late 19th century, a period heavily influenced by the California Gold Rush.
The reference list to mines, prominently featured on the map, includes 85 distinct mining claims and locations such as the "Granite," "Blazing Star," "Esperanza," and "Bald Hill." These mines reflect the historical significance of Calaveras County as a center for gold and mineral extraction, an industry that shaped the economic and social fabric of the region during this time.
At the end of the 19th Century the mining industry in Calaveras County was primarily focused on the extraction of gold from hard rock sources, particularly quartz veins within the famous Mother Lode region. Some of the most prominent and well-documented mines in operation at the time included:
Utica Mine
Located in Angels Camp, the Utica Mine was one of the most important and productive mines in Calaveras County. By the late 19th century, it had established itself as a significant underground operation. The mine, part of a complex with the neighboring Stickle Mine, was known for its deep shafts and was a major gold producer during the period.
Stickle Mine
Adjacent to the Utica Mine, the Stickle Mine was part of the same mining complex and shared much of the same underground infrastructure. Both mines worked the rich quartz veins of the Mother Lode and were among the most productive in the region.
Sheep Ranch Mine
The Sheep Ranch Mine, located near the small community of Sheep Ranch, was another well-known and successful mining operation. It was noted for its high-grade ore and extensive underground workings. By 1900, it had already produced a significant amount of gold and continued to be an important mine in Calaveras County.
Angels Mine
Also located in Angels Camp, the Angels Mine was a smaller but notable operation within the Mother Lode. Like the Utica and Stickle mines, the Angels Mine exploited the rich gold-bearing quartz veins of the region.
Melones Mine
The Melones Mine, situated near the Stanislaus River, was a large and long-running mining operation. In the 19th century, it was one of the key gold producers in the county. By 1900, it continued to be a major site of gold extraction, and the area around the mine remained active into the 20th century.
These mines were central to the economic and social life of Calaveras County around the turn of the century. By 1899m, mining had become more industrialized, with companies using advanced technology to reach deeper deposits. Many of these operations, particularly the Utica and Stickle mines, were part of large corporate enterprises that required significant investment and infrastructure, supporting the continued prominence of gold mining in the region.
Calaveras County was central to the gold mining efforts of the late 19th century, and this map, with its clear delineation of claims, serves as a valuable historical document that offers insights into the distribution and extent of mining activity.
