Goldstream Dredge No. 8

Goldstream Dredge No. 8 is a ladder dredge operated by the Fairbanks Exploration Company from 1928 to 1959. It is located on the old Steese Highway between Fairbanks and Fox in the central part of Alaska.

Goldstream Dredge No. 8
Alaska Heritage Resources Survey
Goldstream Dredge No. 8
Goldstream Dredge No. 8 is located in Alaska
Goldstream Dredge No. 8
LocationSouth bank of Engineer Creek, along Steese Highway
Nearest cityFairbanks, Alaska
Coordinates64°56′14″N 147°39′28″W / 64.93722°N 147.65778°W / 64.93722; -147.65778
Area1 acre (0.40 ha)
Built1927 (1927)
Built byFairbanks Exploration Company; Bethlehem Steel Corporation
NRHP reference No.84000637[1]
AHRS No.FAI-003
Significant dates
Added to NRHPFebruary 28, 1984
Designated AHRSJuly 29, 1971

Starting in the 1920s, water was brought to the area through the 90-mile (145 km) Davidson Ditch for gold mining. The Goldstream Dredge No. 8 cut a 4.5-mile (7.2 km) track and produced 7.5 million ounces of gold.[2]

The dredge was named a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1986.[2] In 1984, it was listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.[1]

Today, it is open to the public. During summer months, tours of the dredge and gold panning are available for a small fee.[3]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ a b "Fairbanks Exploration Company Gold Dredge No. 8". Landmarks. American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Retrieved January 3, 2009.
  3. ^ The Milepost 2009 edition page 508 ISBN 978-1892-15426-2