This area was the original site of the coal mining town of Somersville. The town was located here because of the availability of good drinking water. When the railroad arrived in 1866, water could be hauled from the San Joaquin River and the town was moved closer to the mines. A rancher later established a brothel here that included the unusual feature of a tunnel connecting the building's rear entrance to a nearby ravine, allowing customers to avoid being seen by passers-by.
In 1904 the land was sold to coal field residents Leyshon and Lizzie Lougher whose family remained on the land until 1956. Leyshon used materials salvaged from structures in the abandoned coal mining town of Nortonville to construct the house located across the road. A sheep barn and baseball field were built where the park headquarters now stand. In 1977 Sidney Flats was purchased by the East Bay Regional Park District and became part of the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. The ranch house is currently used as the park residence.

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Show me all markers in:  Antioch, CA  |  Contra Costa County  |  94509  |  California  |  United States of America

Independent Mine
Mount Diablo Coal Field
Somersville Townsite
Greenhouse Portal
Riverview Union High School
Antioch High School Cupola
The McCoy Cook House
The Woman's Club of Antioch
City of Antioch War Dog Memorial
The Cannery Lady

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