Downieville Foundry
Built in 1855 by Soloman Purdy of timbers mortised and fastened with wooden pegs. The “coke” and pig iron used was shipped “Around the Horn” to San Francisco then by pack train to Downieville at a cost of $40.00 per ton. The foundry operated at full capacity for many years furnishing tools and machinery to the local mines, including most of the machinery for the 40-stamp Sierra Buttes Mill. In 1869 the Transcontinental Railroad completion allowed for cheaper goods, leading to gradual decline. In 1910 owner Converse York installed a dam, race way and generator across the road, furnishing electric power to the town. In 1995 a nonprofit corporation of local citizens led by Len Kinzler purchased the structure to preserve and serve as a museum.
Marker is on Pearl Street east of Commercial Street (California Highway 49), on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
