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Franklin Stamp Mill

This seems like the most improbable location for a stamp mill. It is right on a steep cliff, and there doesn't appear to be any mine workings here.

This is, however, the original site of the Chloride Cliff Mine. It was discovered by A. J. Franklin in 1871 and worked for a few years, but the mine always had problems due to its remoteness and lack of water. It wasn’t until the 1900s that another company, the Pennsylvania Mining and Leasing Company, took over that the mine had this little mill installed.

But, as often happens, grand dreams of riches faded with the harsh realities of developing remote mines. The mill never seems to have been used. Yet, this is a neat little spot in the wilds of Death Valley.

GPS