The Morgan Mine is the most noticeable mining scar along the entire
length of Hwy 49. Originally known as "The Crater" due to its early
resemblance to a volcano, the removal of tons of gold-bearing ore has
wiped out any volcano-like appearance it may have once had. The present
absence of hill is a result of open pit mining which took place from
the late 1980’s through 1991. These operations encompassed the old
Morgan, Melones, and Carson Hill mines, as well as several other mines
and claims located on the Hill. More than fifteen miles of shafts and
tunnels have been cut through the hill, with one shaft reaching a depth
of 4,450 feet.
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