JAKE JACKSON MUSEUM & HISTORY CENTER

Our large collection of mining artifacts is distributed around the Museum grounds and labeled for identification and use. Two of our four gold ore processing stamp mills are fully operable and two are in poor state of repair. At least four jaw type rock crushers and portions of an Arrastra are displayed as part of the ore reduction process. The gold recovery process is illustrated by a shaker table, quicksilver-covered amalgamation plates, a melting furnace, various crucibles, retorts and gold brick molds. Ore cars and tram buckets demonstrate ore transportation. Various means of furnishing power to mining operations are shown by our collection of gas engines, Pelton wheels and the steam boiler and engine in the operational Pay Master Mine stamp mill.

Hydraulic mining is well represented by several monitors, or "giants," from #1 to #9 in size, along with a collection of mining pipe and fittings. A #5 giant with a 15" water control valve, and a connecting section of 15" pipe is set up, as it would be in a typical hydraulic mining operation. A representative section of flume or sluice containing various types of riffles demonstrates how the gold was recovered in a hydraulic mine.

A small bucket from a very early bucket line dredge is the only item in our collection representing the late, but important, gold dredging industry in this county.