Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
California's largest hydraulic gold mining operation. Blasted away entire hillsides, excavating over 41 million cubic yards of earth and carving out a massive canyon. The resulting environmental devastation led to the historic 1884 Woodruff v. North Bloomfield court decision.
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- Target Name: Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
- Registry Category: lost mine
- Geographic Location: North Bloomfield, Nevada County (Coordinates:
39.37370, -120.91460) - Land Status: Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park (Restricted; state park, no artifact gathering) (Classified as Protected / Restricted)
- Primary Historic Source: National Register of Historic Places (NRHP #73000418)
- Search & Usefulness Rating: Score 62/100 (Field Readiness: Archive / View Only)
- Summary Overview: California's largest hydraulic gold mining operation. Blasted away entire hillsides, excavating over 41 million cubic yards of earth and carving out a massive canyon. The resulting environmental.
Historical Overview
California's largest hydraulic gold mining operation. Blasted away entire hillsides, excavating over 41 million cubic yards of earth and carving out a massive canyon. The resulting environmental devastation led to the historic 1884 Woodruff v. North Bloomfield court decision, which effectively banned hydraulic mining in the US.
Field Search & Recovery Tips
Explore the park's overlooks to view the massive carved badlands-style canyon. The historic town of North Bloomfield features preserved buildings and mining displays. Panning and metal detecting are strictly prohibited within park limits; do not climb the steep, unstable clay cliffs of the diggings.
Field Action Checklist
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Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park (Restricted; state park, no artifact gathering)
Legal & Permit Review
Recommended Outfitting
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP #73000418)
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