There’s something undeniably magical about stumbling across a place that boasts both breathtaking natural beauty and historical significance. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you visit this little-known park in Jackson, California. This hidden gem of a park is a treasure trove of century-old historical artifacts, and it’s an amazing place to visit for anyone with an interest in our state’s history. Home to some of the most well-preserved mining relics from California’s Mother Lode days, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot when you visit this fascinating destination.
Kennedy Tailing Wheels Park is one of Jackson's best-kept secrets. This historic gem contains some of the most photographed artifacts from the Gold Rush era, and it's an iconic place to visit.
Upon entering the park, you'll be swept into the beautiful landscape of what once was an active mining site. A panorama filled with the sight of lush rolling hills, the area is definitely easy on the eyes.
However, it won't take you long to come across the real highlight of this unique park. At 58-feet tall, the Kennedy Tailing Wheels are absolutely gigantic. Many of them have been wonderfully preserved over the years, while others have succumbed to the effects of time.
But what exactly are these giant wheels? And what purpose did they serve? Although not built during the Gold Rush, these towering wheels are considered some of the most outstanding artifacts for that period of time.
The wheels were built in 1914 after anti-debris laws went into effect. This meant that mines couldn't just dump waste into the rivers anymore. The wheels were used to lift mine tailings over Jackson's hills during their journey to the Kennedy Mine's impound dam.
The wheels were put into effect all day, every day, from 1914 to 1942. It's estimated that they would lift up to 850 tons of waste each day! When the Kennedy Mine finally closed, most of the mining camp was broken down and taken away, but the giant wheels remained.
You can see these gigantic historical wonders for yourself when you visit Kennedy Tailing Wheels Park just north of Jackson. These century-old structures are a wonderful reminder of how far our state has come since the Gold Rush era came to an end, and it's a fascinating experience you'll definitely appreciate.
