Electrical development in the southern part of Calaveras
County also had its origin in early-day gold mining. It was the need for water for placer mining and the use of the hydraulic
monitor for mining the auriferous gravels that brought about theconstruction of ditches and flumes from the headwaters of the
North Fork of the Stanislaus. Then, as gold mining turned to the use of deep shafts to tap the quartz veins, energy was needed to
drive the hoists, compressors and stamp mills. In the 90’s, the Utica Mining Company became one of the leading gold producers
in California. Already this active company had purchased the Union Water Company in 1887 for its large Stanislaus water
holdings, and in the following year made extensive repairs and improvements to the system.
Las Calaveras, April, 1975
