1. Five-Stamp Mill

This Five-Stamp test mill was brought to Alaska by John Treadwell in May 1882 and was the first mill used at the Treadwell Mine in Douglas. The mill was erected on the shores of Paris Creek to test the ore from the Paris lode claim. It was later used at the Alaska Juneau Mine. Markings on the mill show it was cast in 1881 at the Marysville Foundry in Yuba County, California, in the heart of California’s Gold Rush country. A 120 stamp mill replaced this experimental mill in 1883 and in 1887 another 120 stamps were added. The original Five-Stamp Mill was thought to be lost but was discovered by local mining historian Willette Janes in December 1988. It was restored by workers from Echo Bay Mines and featured in the 1989 Juneau Fourth of July Parade – then returned to Treadwell in September 1990. It stands near the log shelter at Savikko Park where the historical trail begins.

“The original little five-stamp mill is said to have produced a total of $10,902 [in gold] which was enough to pay its own cost and the cost of opening the mine. It will be sold when a buyer is found.”
Douglas Island News, October 1, 1885