Local Historians Presenting on the History of Quicksilver Mining in New Almaden – UPDATED 2022
Photo by Alexi Kostibas
Saratoga Historical Foundation is sponsoring a presentation on the “The History of New Almaden – Once the Largest Mine in California.”
The talk is being presented by noted authors and local historians Art Boudreault and Mike Boulland, authors of the book New Almaden – Images of America.
New Almaden was once home to the oldest and richest mine in California. Discovered in 1845, its quicksilver payload was crucial for gold and silver processing and manufacturing munitions.
Boudreault and Boulland give in-character presentations through the eyes of James B. Randol, mine manager from 1870 to 1892, and Robert Bulmore, his successor who was also an accomplished photographer.
The presentation includes fascinating photos of the mines, the mining process, and the historic New Almaden area.
Although the mines are now closed, Casa Grande, the mine manager’s home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1963, and was newly renovated in 2010.
The event is free and open to the public. The talk is at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Saratoga on January 17, 2011 at 7:15 pm.
