Molina Mine

Named on Idria 7.5' quadrangle at N36° 23.887; W120° 39.836 at 4134 feet. This is above the New Idria Mine, near the Idria water reservoir and below the San Carlos Mine. This was a mine location name for part of the New Idria Mine.

Molina Mine, ca. 1900 - courtesy Patricia Ashurst - The Ashurst Collection

The Molina Mine and Molina Peak was named for one of the original surveyors that came from the New Almaden Mine to survey and claim resources in this area in 1854. The original claim was filed by Rafael Rippa, William Norrlin, Jose Maria Molina, and H. F. Pitts.

Feliciano Molina, a relative of Jose Maria Molina lived in the area in 1899.

An interesting note regarding the above picture. Upon closer examination we notice the two people in the center are carrying rifles. One of the riflemen is aiming at near the cameraman. We assume this was a gag pose for the camera - along with what appears to be a body laying over the pile behind them.