Hard Rock Gold Mining, DVD

The century-long history of hard rock gold mining in California’s Sierra Nevada is a tale of hardships, triumphs, and occasional tragedy for the many men involved. Dramatic film footage from the Oriental Mine, which continued to operate until 1970, documents the drilling and rock blasting techniques that were used to carve literally thousands of miles of tunnels, drifts, and shafts into the bedrock of the mountains. You also see the lives of the miners, their difficult and demanding work, their superstitions, and their impatience and ingenuity while doing dangerous jobs. The environment of the mines – totally black expect for the miners’ lanterns – is eloquently presented. In the State Park System, Empire Mine State Historic Park, Bodie State Historic Park, and Plumas-Eureka State Park all interpret 19th- and 20th- century hard rock mining. Time – 19 minutes 13 seconds Original film production: 1974 Produced and Distributed by California State Parks