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was 1896. William Jennings Bryan gave his famous "Cross of Gold" speech (advocating coinage minted from 16 parts silver to 1 part gold) and Tom Bradbury located what was dubbed the "16 to 1" vein in his backyard.
The mine has been very productive ever since. In fact, as recently as
December 17, 1993, 2,500 ounces of gold were mined with a (then) total
value of $1,000,000. Located in the
tiny town of Alleghany. Underground Gold Miners Museum is devoted to
interpreting the history and culture of the Alleghany Mining District; one
of the richest gold mining districts in the State of California. Alleghany
is the only town (as far as we know) that has continuously had a
gold-based economy since the California Gold Rush.
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The centerpiece of
the museum’s educational program is tours of the Sixteen to One Mine, the
oldest continuously operating traditional hardrock gold mine in the United
States. Mine tours are available for a fee.
All proceeds support the Underground Gold Miners of California Museum, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.
ALL TOURS ARE BY
RESERVATION ONLY.
(Phone 530-287-3330 for hours of Operation and admission fees
and reservations.)
courtesy of
Underground Gold Miners
Museum
and
Grass Valley & Nevada County
Chamber of Commerce
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