Placer's Fortune Mining Claim

Claim Description

This 20-acre placer mining claim was located in the historic "Rich Gulch" Mining District on the Mokelumne River, straddling the border of Calaveras and Amador Counties in California. The claim featured excellent water access with multiple promising gold trapping features.

The Mokelumne River has a rich history of gold production dating back to the California Gold Rush. This particular section of the river is known for its exposed bedrock, natural riffles, and varied terrain that creates ideal gold traps. The claim included several sections with exposed bedrock crevices known for trapping gold.

The claim offered year-round water flow, making it suitable for various mining methods including panning, sluicing, and highbanking. Several gravel bars and benches showed evidence of historical workings, indicating the area's gold-bearing potential.

Location & Access

Located at the border of Calaveras and Amador Counties, this claim was situated in an area historically known as "Rich Gulch" - a name that speaks to its gold-producing history. The claim was accessible via local roads with a short hike to the river. The area provided year-round access, though some sections might be more challenging during high water periods.

Historical Production

The Mokelumne River has been a significant gold producer since the 1850s. The "Rich Gulch" area was extensively worked during the Gold Rush era, with numerous mining operations extracting substantial amounts of gold. Modern prospectors continue to find gold in this river, with reports of both fine gold and occasional nuggets being recovered.

The geological features of this particular claim, with its numerous natural gold traps and exposed bedrock, made it especially promising for continued production. The area's history of consistent gold recovery added to its appeal for both recreational and serious miners.