In the early days, metals were used to make tools and weapons. The first smelters were set up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where they produced a black-sand iron ore that could be smelted into steel
California's modern history was forged in the process of mining, smelting, refining and manufacturing metals. California has been a melting pot ever since gold was discovered there in 1642 by Father Serra. The news spread quickly and soon a hundred or so Spaniard families followed suit to mine and prospect for gold in present day Orange County, California
As more gold was discovered throughout California, so too were new metallurgical processes invented and perfected. This allowed for more efficient mining operations and improved the quality of gold mining going forward. Gold mining eventually led to the discovery of silver deposits in areas like Santa Barbara County (the famous Sierra Cachuma), as well as copper deposits near Chino Hills (the famous Copper Hill).
forged metals california
