Stopping the Slickens: The Rise and Fall of Hydraulic Mining in California

SUMMARY:  As gold disappeared from Sierra streams during the California Gold Rush, miners turned to more involved technologies to extract the gold still hidden in the hills.  One method – new and unique to California – was hydraulic mining, the washing away of entire hillsides to free traces of gold and the flushing of the resulting waste into the state’s streams and rivers.  This episode describes the rise of “hydraulicking,” its fall – triggered by the famous Sawyer Decision – and its legacy.

TIME AND PLACE:  Mainly 1848-1884, with some action in following decades.

SOURCES:  See website.

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