History written by nature and people

Natural landforms gave local settlers an opportunity to shape history. As you explore the remains of the gold rush era, consider the partnership of people and nature.


A lake the ice forgot
When the Ice Age glaciers melted, they left behind Olive Lake, and ideal resource for producing electricity. The melting glaciers had left behind a pile of rocks, or moraine, that formed a natural dam. Engineers enlarged the dam using the log-crib earthfill method, making the lake bigger.

Water fall, current flows Lake water was sent downstream to the powerhouse in an eight mile wooden pipe, constructed of redwood and steel bands. The wood was carefully milled and fitted with tongue and groove joints that swelled into a watertight joint. The force of gravity from falling water was used to generate electricity.

Power to the people
The Fremont Powerhouse was built in 1908 to produce electricity for nearby mines and towns. The powerhouse was operated until 1967 when it was closed and donated to the United States Forest Service.

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Show me all markers in:  Sumpter, OR  |  Grant County  |  97877  |  Oregon  |  United States of America

Red Boy Mine
Granite, Oregon / Leaving Granite
Ah Hee Diggings
The Oxbow Conservation Area
A Tale of the Tailings
Anchoring the Dredge
A Golden History
A Working Dredge
Floating in its own pond
Site of Bank of Sumpter

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