Take a walk through the
Craigie State Forest and explore the historically significant landscape of
Blackmans Lead, along with this stone monument commemorating the 1858 discovery of a 537 ounce gold nugget!
The following text is displayed on the monument:
537 oz
NUGGET
J.W. RICE
JAN 1858
Illustrated information sign at Rice's Dwelling.
Rice's house was located nearby at the historic
Battery Dam and Distillery site, where remnants of the dwelling's low stone and mud walls are still visible. An information sign at the site displays the following text:
These low stone and mud walls are all that remain of the three-roomed family dwelling of Thomas Rice.
The Rice brothers, Thomas and William, are associated with the discovery of gold at Maryborough in 1854. Thomas Rice unearthed a gold nugget weighing 537 oz at Blackmans Lead about 1.5 km north from here.
Geological map of the Maryborough goldfield, early 20th century
Geological map of the Maryborough gold field which shows historical features in superb detail, including reefs, leads, gullies/flats, and old workings. Originally published by the Department of Crown Lands and Survey, early 20th century. High quality, durable A1 print in a satin finish. Large, 594 x 891 mm. Go to online shop.
Blackmans Lead
Many significant gold nugget discoveries occurred on
Blackman's Lead in the 19th century. The following text was printed in The Argus in 1934 and describes some of the impressive gold nuggets which were pulled out of Blackman's Lead during the gold rush:
Two diggers on Blackman's Lead quickly took 690oz from their claim. Taking another claim, they found a great pear shaped nugget more than 11lb in weight, valued at £400. The length of the leads was eight miles. Where Blackman's Lead and Main Lead joined the yield was poorer than where they were separate. In June, 1855, at a depth of 5ft in Blackman's Lead, a nugget of 1,034oz was found and sold for £3,250. Another found in January, 1858, in Blackman's at 6ft, weighed 537oz. Source.
Be careful when walking through the bush as there is a lot of unstable and uneven ground. Be aware of the
dangers of mine shafts.
SEE ALSO
GOLD PROSPECTING RESOURCES
PROSPECTORS AND MINERS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA
Established in 1980, the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria is a voluntary body created to protect the rights and opportunities of those who wish to prospect, fossick or mine in the State of Victoria, Australia.
You can support the PMAV in their fight to uphold these rights by
becoming a member. You'll also gain access to exclusive publications, field days, prospecting tips, discounts and competitions.
BBQ
Maryborough
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