Reed Gold Mine State Historic Park Midland, North Carolina June 28, 2022
Mike and Pat Kaas
PHOTO GALLERY 3 CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
The 1854 Engine House was located close to the mine’s main shaft, the 110 foot deep Engine Shaft.The foundation was discovered in 1985 by archaeologists and reconstructed.The building site also had two later versions dating from 1885 and 1899.
Visitors inspect the base of a Chilean mill. Two vertical grinding stones rotated above the base in which the ore was placed to be crushed.
(Above) Closeup view of the Chilean mill base.
(Right) The pit where the steam engine was located.The chimney dates to 1854.The engine powered the Chilean mills, an arrastra, and the Stamp Mill. An 1899 engine also powered the mine hoists and pumps.
Excellent trail signs make it easy to find the historic mining sites.
Several vertical grinding stones from Chilean mills are lying in a field by the trail.
A “Bone Yard” area contains an array of parts from stamp mills.
A view of iron stamp rods with heads attached.
Stamp mill cams on a shaft with drive wheels.These were from a 5 stamp battery.
Iron stamp mill mortar box with rods for mounting it to a base or platform.It was manufactured at the Mecklenburg Iron Works in Charlotte.
Exterior view of the east side of the reconstructed stamp mill.
Exterior view of the west side of the reconstructed stamp mill.
The stamp mill was not operating at the time of our visit.Ten stamps in 2 batteries of 5 are located on the upper floor.
Amalgamation plates in apron tables are in front of each stamp battery.A concentrating table is displayed on the ground floor.
The original Stamp Mill at the Reed Mine was installed in 1898 by the then owner, Warren Kelly. His mill was located just west of the reconstructed Stamp Mill building.
The largest gold nugget found at the Reed Mine was discovered in 1896 by Jacob Shinn and three others at this spot called “The Lake.”A model of this nearly 23 pound nugget is on display in the Museum.
Unless Otherwise Noted, Photos Courtesy of Mike and Pat Kaas
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE BIRMINGHAM MEETING PAGE
All contents copyright 2011. This is a ZStudios website.
