Photo Discussion
Category: Friendly Praise Archive

To discuss a photo, sign up as a BetterPhoto member or log in.

Sumpter Gold Dredge


	Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge The odd contraption in the middle of a pond in Sumpter, Oregon seems to be some sort of a ship and this 1250-ton behemoth does float. Its task was to dredge up gold-bearing gravel but half a century after the last bucket load was lifted; the dredge stands silent. Built in 1935, the last of three, it ran until 1954. It dug up more than four million dollars worth of gold. In 1993, Oregon Parks and Recreation recognized the need to preserve one of Sumpter's most visible and important historic monuments and in 1994 created the Sumpter Valley Dredge State Park. More images in comments Have a Great Day Denny E. Barnes
	One Ton Dredging Buckets Unfortunately, no matter how big or powerful the three dredges were, the reality was more gold was taken from the Sumpter mountains by hard rock miners than any of the three dredges. It is estimated that 30% of the gold was taken by the dredges and 70% left behind. No mining is allowed in this area today because it is now an "Oregon State Heritage Area". You can tour the Dredge and State Park at your own leisure! It's free! There are plenty of well-groomed trails winding through the entire State Park offering a variety of views of the dredge. In addition to groomed trails, you will find plenty of picnic tables. Denny E. Barnes
	Gold Dredge Tailings Miles of tailings like this was left behind the dredges as they moved down the valley. Denny E. Barnes

debarnesphotography.com - Denny E. Barnes

BetterPhoto Member

Contact Denny E. Barnes
Denny E. Barnes's Gallery

Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge

To love this question, log in above
October 13, 2010

Marty Straub

Gee, with that kind of money back in 1954 you'd think they would have had enough left over to dismantle it. You know, in the spirit of "Leave only footprints." But then we all would have missed this marvelous photo. Excellent pov providing the fence in foreground, and great job bringing out such amazing detail in the floating dredger and its wonderful reflection. Great job on all of them, Denny.