Placer County Museums, 101 Maple Street Room 104, Auburn, CA 95603

Curator of Education - (530) 889-6506 - kbartosh@placer.ca.gov

Gold Rush Student Activity

California Mine Bell Signals & MazeDuring the California Gold Rush, miners employed a variety of tools from gold pans to Long Toms to find surface gold. However, gold seekers soon turned to the mountains for more. Hard rock mines, tunneled deep into the Earth, were constructed at a rapid pace. Miners from all over the world worked in dark, cramped, and dangerous conditions. A large bell was an essential part of mine safety. It provided a universal language

that was loud and simple, that could be heard throughout dark and noisy tunnels.

Lead the miner through the maze of tunnels so he can ring the bell!