In late November 2007, Craig Learoyd set out to find the old
town of Mormon Island, a popular mining town now under
Folsom
Lake. The lake has become low enough to find remnants of this
old city, including foundations, artifacts, and parts of this
town unseen for ages. John Gladding also set out to take some
pictures. Please check it out while you still have the chance!
NOTE: Don't park too close to the water. Even if the ground is hard, it is
very slippery! We
managed to get not one, but two 4x4s stuck in the mud during
this adventure! To the insurance claims adjuster "Nick" who
pulled us out, our hats' off to you! He pulled us out and
refused anything but good karma out of it! :)
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Please do not remove
any historic artifacts from these locations. It is illegal!
foundation from an old house. Folsom Dam is in the distance. |
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2 foundations. |
artifacts from the area - note the square bottles. |
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It appeared this was once a wall. |
artifacts from an old house perhaps? |
This barren outpost is where boats
usually launch from the Brown's Ravine "low water" ramp. |
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More exposed areas in the lake |
Drainage Canal. If you park at the Brown's Ravine low water lot,
head south and look for this. Cross the muddy stream and head
towards the dam to see Mormon Island. |
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This pic was taken on the foundation of a house. This bar
appeared to be holding up a wall. |
Foundation with pipes of some sort |
Brown's Ravine Marina. |
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John's trusty sidekick, Lucy |
barren tree stumps |
Artifacts people found. Lots of
nails, bottles. A few tools of some sort. |
This is the stream to cross to get
to Mormon Island (marina in background).
DO NOT drive in the dark mud unless you want to get stuck! (I
learned the hard way, as did another 4x4!) |
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Old drainage canal. |
Old drainage canal. |
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Artifacts - an axe head, nails, pliers (from a boater?), spring. |
No clue what this is... was by the marina. |
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Looked like a hub cap and maybe
part of a bike? |
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From an old house. |
This house was on higher ground;
you can see the marina behind it. |
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