Landmark #932 | Contra Costa County | Visited: February 15, 2014 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
What is it? | A plaque and some scattered ruins from one of California’s largest mining districts! |
What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: This was the largest coal-mining district in California from 1860 to 1914, with five towns-Nortonville, Somersville, Stewartsville, Judsonville, and West Hartley-near twelve major mines. Today the towns are gone, their buildings moved to other communities after the mines closed – the East Bay Regional Park District is preserving mine openings, tailings, railroad beds, and a pioneer cemetery.
OTHER TIDBITS: This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: Black Diamond Mines Regional Park from State Hwy 4 take Somersville Rd 3.9 mi S Antioch, CA 94509 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~359mi (578km) — 6hrs |
When should I go? | The park gate opens at 8:00 AM every day, but whether it closes at 5:00, 6:00, or 7:00 PM varies by season! Try to get there before 5:00 if you want to see the plaque! |