Arrastra - Idaho Springs, CO
Posted by: 
Outspoken1
N 39° 44.517 W 105° 31.103
13S E 455584 N 4399245
Reproduction of an 'Arrastra', an early tool to crush gold ore
Waymark Code: WMADM7
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 01/01/2011
Views: 4
The plaque reads:
ARRASTRA
Arrastras like this one was used by the earliest hard-rock miners in this area to grind gold ore. People skilled in stone cutting made them for the miners out of local rock.
This arrastra was chiseled by hand from blocks of hard granite. Several blocks were shaped and then fitted together.
The miners put gold-bearing rock in the trough. It then was crushed by dragging the boulder on the chain over it, freeing the gold. Often a horse was harnessed to the wooden arm and provided the power by walking in a circle around the arrastra. Some were operated by water power.
Arrastras were crude, but good enough until roads and the railroad were built into this area. The mines then could be supplied with better, factory-made equipment and the arrastras quickly became historical curiosities.
Group or Groups Responsible for Placement:
Idaho Springs Historical Society
County or City: Idaho Springs
Date Dedicated: Unknown
Check here for Web link(s) for additional information: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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