Gold Rush: 1848–1860: Mining Techniques
Click image to zoom in.Or view larger version. Untitled (Hydraulic Mining, Placerville, California). ca. 1852. Photographer unknown. Daguerrotype. Collection of Oakland Museum of California.
This photograph shows miners working near the Gold Rush town of Placerville, California. Gold was discovered in the Placerville area in July 1848. The town was first known as Dry Diggings, but was also known by the nickname Old Hangtown because three robbers were hanged here in October, 1849.