Mariposa, California
California State Mining and Mineral Museum:
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Mariposa, California |
California State Mining and Mineral Museum: |
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Eager would be miners migrated from the
"four corners of the world" to stake their claim in the rivers
and creeks of California. the new pioneers assembled into camps that evolved
into boomtowns. In some cases the evolution of camp to town would take
only a few weeks. Minig companies came and brought machines to bore, blast
and wash the hillsides. Experience the excitement of these early pioneers at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum, in historic Mariposa. It was in this area that explorers John C. Fremont and Kit Carson found the rich Mariposa Vein and opened the first mill to crush ore and extract gold in California. "Discover California’s mineral wealth, colorful history and geologic diversity as you view the official mineral collection of the state of California. The collection, which began in 1880, contains over 13,000 objects including mining artifacts, rare specimens of crystalline gold, as well as beautiful gem and mineral specimens from California and around the world. The collection was moved to Mariposa in 1983 after residing in San Francisco, for over 100 years. The museum became a state park in 1999." We are proud to display the Fricot “Nugget”, a rare and beautiful specimen of crystallized gold discovered in the American River in 1864. This spectacular 13.8-pound. specimen is the largest remaining intact mass of crystalline gold from 19th century California, when these finds were more common but usually were simply melted down. You can also take a trip back in time as you walk through our mine tunnel and see how gold was mined in the mid-1800s, when California was a wilderness, being transformed by rapid development. Our assay office and working scale model of a stamp mill will help you discover how gold was found and extracted from the rocks. A visit to the California State Mining and Mineral Museum offers you the chance to explore the variety of California’s mineral wealth, view breathtaking gems and minerals from around the world, and to experience a bit of California’s exciting mining history. We have a number of rotating displays so there is something new to see each time you visit. This museum is a must see stop on any trip through the Mother Lode gold country or to nearby Yosemite National Park.
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Mariposa Sights |
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