La Veta Madre is the Spanish term for The Mother Lode. If you're a Recreational Gold Prospector you know
it was an incredibly rich vein of gold that ran from Mariposa north approximately 300 miles to Sierra City in California. Over 500 mining
towns grew quickly throughout the area where ever gold was found. Men came from all over the world by the thousands seeking their fortune.
Very few of the miners actually became rich, while the merchants in the mining towns became very wealthy providing high priced supplies,
tools and entertainment. A pan and a shovel were very necessary tools for the miner, and they cost as much as $50. In 1849 that was a
lot of money. That was about 4 times higher than a shovel costs in 2007. First came the miners, then the saloons
showed up next. Saloon keepers made $500, or more, profit on each barrel of whiskey. After that came the dance halls, gambling halls and
bawdy houses. Last to come were the merchants. Because the boom towns only existed to support the miners needs, most of them disappeared
quickly when the gold ran out. There are a lot of interesting remains of the mines, mining camps and old buildings to see today. There are
historical parks and monuments also.
This book will guide you on a pictorial trip down SR49 from Sierra city in the north, to Mariposa at the southern end. It lists points of interest at each location, and provides a place for you to make notes. If you are a gold prospector, or just one who would like to see some of the most famous history in a very beautiful part of our country, this trip is a must. My wife and I made this trip in 2007, and I have made many trips to specific areas over the last 30 years as a prospector. For a short video clip from the third annual "GOLD RUSH FESTIVAL" that was held in the bay area of the silicon valley, click on the picture below. This is just a small sample of the historical gold rush sights you will enjoy on a trip down highway 49! Set a week aside in the summer for the trip, and take you're digital camera with an extra flash drive. If you are retired, and have a motorhome or travel trailer, I would suggest taking your time and see all that there is to see. If you can't make the trip at this time, read the book, look at the pictures and make notes in the book for the places you want to spend the most time when you are able to go. The Mother Lode - Volume IV in “The GREAT AMERICAN SERIES” of e-books on gold. Buy Now for $29.95 
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