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Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve: A Journey into California's Mining Past

Discover California's coal and sand mining history at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, offering hiking, historical exploration, and natural beauty.

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Explore the fascinating history of coal and sand mining at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Pittsburg, CA. This 6,000-acre park offers hiking trails, historic sites, and a glimpse into the lives of 19th and 20th-century miners. While mine tours are temporarily unavailable, the preserve's natural beauty and historical significance make it a worthwhile destination.

A brief summary to Black Diamond Mine

Local tips

  • Check the East Bay Regional Park District website for updates on the reopening of the Greathouse Visitor Center and mine tours.
  • Bring water and wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as the trails can be steep and uneven.
  • Be prepared for hot weather, especially during the summer months.
  • A parking fee of $5 is charged on weekends and holidays when the kiosk is attended.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, take Highway 4 to the Somersville Road exit in Antioch. Drive south on Somersville Road for approximately four miles until you reach the park entrance. Continue to the end of the road to reach the parking lot. Parking is $5 per vehicle on weekends and holidays, when the kiosk is attended.

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Discover more about Black Diamond Mine

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, located in Pittsburg, California, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the rich mining history of the region. From the 1860s to the early 20th century, this area was California's largest coal-producing region, yielding nearly four million tons of coal, known as "black diamonds". Five thriving mining towns – Nortonville, Somersville, Stewartville, West Hartley, and Judsonville – once stood here, populated by workers from around the world. After the decline of coal mining, the focus shifted to sand mining in the 1920s. The Hazel-Atlas Glass Company and Columbia Steel Works extracted over 1.8 million tons of sand for glass production and steel casting. Today, the East Bay Regional Park District manages the preserve, offering over 65 miles of trails through grassland, woodland, and chaparral. Visitors can explore the historic Rose Hill Cemetery, the final resting place for many of the former mining community residents. Although the mine tours are temporarily closed, outdoor enthusiasts can still explore the landscape and imagine what life was like during the mining boom. The Greathouse Visitor Center, located in an underground chamber, is also temporarily closed, but normally features exhibits and artifacts related to the park's mining eras.

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