Industry
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In 1849 Penon Blanco was a Mexican and Chilean gold mining camp, but the foreign miners tax of 1852 caused the camp to be abandoned. In 1855 George Bell and Mary Haigh opened a store in Penon Blanco and reportedly sold supplies to Joaquin Murietta’s gang. In 1864 they purchased the land, which remained in the family for six generations. Their son John Haigh married Eugenia Brushi, and they operated a freight company. Alan Ward Haigh expanded the ranch and cattle operations. The nearby Oro Rico Mine operated a 20 stamp mill, and in 1866 it was the first mine in California to apply for a patented mining claim. In 1869 John Muir traveled through Penon Blanco and the Haigh Ranch. Alan G. Haigh now operates the ranch.
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