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| Landmark #1007 | Amador County | Visited: May 9, 2015 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | This is the only remaining water-powered foundry in the United States! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: Knight Foundry was established in 1873 to supply heavy equipment and repair facilities to the gold mines and timber industry of the Mother Lode. Samuel N. Knight developed a high speed, cast iron water wheel which was a forerunner of the Pelton Wheel design. Knight Wheels were used in some of the first hydroelectric plants in California, Utah, and Oregon. This site is the last water powered foundry and machine shop in California. A 42-inch Knight Wheel drives the main line shaft, with smaller water motors powering other machines.
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: 81 Eureka St Sutter Creek, CA 95685 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~382mi (615km) — 6.4hrs |
| When should I go? | The Foundry is closed to the public, but the hope is to reopen it once the structures are stabilized! |
