New Almaden

The society's 1954 bronze credits a favorable ruling on the mine's title with saving California and Nevada for the Union, and the record runs the other way. In March 1863 the Supreme Court threw out Andrés Castillero's claim, and that year Lincoln signed an order to seize the mine for investors close to his administration. Armed miners met the federal agent at the gate. Wary of losing California mid-war, Washington revoked the order, and Barron, Forbes & Co. sold to those same investors for $1.75 million. No state plaque stands in town.

What the plaque says

New Almaden (The New Mine) After Almaden Mine in Spain The first workable quicksilver mine in North America-first mine of any kind in California-first worked 1824-denounced November 1845. Has produced more metallic wealth than any individual gold mine in California. Its discovery freed all American gold and silver mines from Spanish domination for until 1887, quicksilver was a pre-requisite in the reduction of precious metals. Favorable adjudication of its title in 1865 protected all western mining titles and saved California and Nevada for the Union. This drilling block is from mine barbecue grounds. New Almaden Historical Society September 5, 1954. New Almaden Has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark Under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 this site possesses exceptional value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service 1963

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Site of First Mining in California — 0.5 mi
• Almadén Vineyards — 6.0 mi
• Montgomery Hill — 8.7 mi
• Patchen — 8.9 mi