Howland Flat, Sierra County Mining Ephemera (58373)

Howland Flat, Sierra County Mining Ephemera (58373)
Signed by HC Stout. For Giant Powder, Box Caps, and 100 feet of fuse. For the Mountaineere (sic) Mining Company. Hand written . 5 x 7". Howland Flat was first settled in 1853 when mines known as the Union Company and California Company were discovered, Howland Flat was once second in size and importance only to La Porte. Located twelve miles north of Downieville on the East Branch of Slate Creek and at the base of the dramatic 7,000 elevation Table Rock Mountain. The population during its year of greatest activity, 1863, was approximately 1,500. In the same year, there were about 100 inhabitants at Potosi, and several hundred more were living and mining within a mile radius of Howland Flat. Thus, the town and vicinity comprised approximately 2,000 people. In its prime, Howland Flat played host to several hotels, saloons, general stores, dentists and barbers. However, the town also was home to a surgeon, a bath house, a post office, a jewelry and watch repair shop, a theater, a notary public and at least one attorney. This mine operated from 1860 to 1918. (Potter Collection) Provenance: Country (if not USA): State: California City/County: Howland Flat Date: 1873