Wednesday, 19th December 2007 (1142 views)

A volcanic river that forms an important part of California's Oroville's gold rush map has been named one of the city's most interesting features.

The Oroville Mercury Register reports that one of the most intriguing aspects of the volcanic mudflow near the Feather River is its proximity to ancient river channels that were a key source of gold during the rush for the precious metal.

Nuggets of gold some 60 million years old were found near the area, the report notes, making it a hotspot for potential prospectors.

A nugget of gold weighing 54 pounds was discovered on the flank of Sawmill peak at the height of excitement about California's mineral wealth.

"Miners like Joe Henry got down to pay dirt under the volcanic cap layer, too," explains the article.

During the rush for gold, Oroville was named the head of navigation on the Feather River to assist miners pursuing riches.

 

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