Entry No. 37 — the Sacramento file — filed under: history

Keystone Mine

Established in 1853 through the consolidation of several smaller claims, the Keystone Mine became one of the most lucrative gold mines in California's Mother Lode, producing approximately $24 million in gold before closing in 1942. Today, the site is abandoned, leaving behind massive concrete mill foundations right off Old Highway 49 and a rusted steel headframe rising above the trees on the hillside. While the historic Mine House across the street has been converted into a hotel, the actual mine workings are sealed and caved.

The move: Park at the public lot on Main Street (Old Highway 49) to view the historic marker and safely photograph the massive concrete mill foundations and the rusted headframe rising above the trees on the hillside.

📍 Before you go The concrete mill foundations can be viewed and photographed from the public parking lot on Main Street (Old Highway 49), but the headframe and surrounding mine structures are located on private property marked with 'No Trespassing' signs, and the underground shafts are caved and sealed.

• 📍 Amador City
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Amador City, CA 95601, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: hmdb.org · amador-city.com

last checked: 2026-07-20