Big Gap Flume
In 1859 a wooden suspension flume 2200’ long was constructed across this valley by G.W. Holt and August Conrad as a link in the Golden Rock Ditch system which conveyed the water of the South Fork of the Tuolumne River to the mining areas of Groveland (Garrote) and Big Oak Flat. It was rightfully considered one of California’s early day engineering marvels, and is said to have been the highest major flume constructed during the Gold Rush period.
The flume decayed and fell with a spectacular crash in 1868. In 1869 it was replaced by Andrew Rocca with an inverted syphon – the large iron pipe which still remains in place as a monument to pioneer enterprise.
Marker can be reached from Big Oak Flat Road (State Highway 120), on the left when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
