The history of the New Idria Mine, unlike the famous and well-documented New Almaden Mine in Santa Clara County, has been largely ignored, not because it is of any less importance, but rather because its remote location has somewhat camouflaged its existence. However, its history is in many ways a more accurate portrayal of the cultural struggle that molded California into the political and social diversity that defines our uniqueness. New Idria, as a remote mountain community, reflected early California's growing pains. It was a place where cultures from around the world clashed, learned, adjusted and finally became neighbors. A place where Indians, Spaniards, Mexicans, Californios, Chinese, Africans, Irish, Germans, Arabs, English and many others melded to help create what has become California.
The Idria Yard Gang, ca 1910 ~ Courtesy Patricia Ashurst Collection
