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I am looking for detailed information, illustrations or working scale or full sized models of stamp mills which came to America during the gold rush of the 1830's. These mills used square wooden stamp stems and were the precursers to the California mill design. Do you know of any museums or mines which have them as part of their exhibit collection?

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mill nut

When was Gold first mined in Georgia or Colorado? There is a Gold Mine tour in North Georgia that may be of help.

Gold was discovered in Georgia as early as 1828, the Colorado rush didn't begin until 1859. Some of the early mills may have made it there from the Appalachians, but for the most part, the new California mills would have begun to show up there, as they were much more efficient and tough than the older mills which broke easily because they were almost entirley made of wood.

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mill nut

Doug,
Do you know the name of the mine tour in north Georgia? If not, do you know the general area? I know that Dahlonega County had a lot of mining activity.

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mill nut

Consolodated Gold Mine

http://www.consolidatedgoldmine.com/main.asp

Also search You Tube for "unseed gold mine tour"

Bajaman, while I do not recall how old it is, there is a preserved stamp mill at the Sterling Mine in Ogdensburg, NJ. This if you don't already know, is a public tour mine not to be missed. There is a plethora of historic mining equipment along with a rewarding tour, knowledgeable and friendly guides, and a gift shop with books very specific to the mining enthusiast. You can visit their website at www.sterlinghill.org. Tell them Miner Mike sent ya.

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"If you thought old, abandoned mines were only in the west, then you haven't been to IronMiners.com!"

Thanks, Miner mike


The site address that you gave me is under construction, but I'm going to research the mine using state mining claim logs. Any other possible sites would be greatly appreciated.

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mill nut

There is a period at the end of that url...

Try:

http://www.sterlinghill.org/

Got it,

Talked to the curator of the museum, no luck, but thanks!

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mill nut

Yeah I'll have to keep my eyes opened.. Almost all of the research material I have in my library is dedicated to Iron and Anthracite mines and mining techniques, but if I come across something I'll have to post it. Also most of the museums around here also are dedicated to Iron / Zinc mining and wouldn't really apply.

Miner Greg

Thanks Greg. Don't remember if I posted it to you, but Cornish miners who worked iron and tin mines in Europe brought over the stamp mill technology. Its very hard to find, but there are bits and pieces of recorded history of the introduction still floating around, I just know it, and I want to find it and keep it in the more recent history books before its forgotten and dissappears forever.

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mill nut