Gold mining in this area did not bring instant success, because early miners lacked the capital to develop the mines. The Sierra Buttes Gold Mining Co. Ltd. bought the mines in the 1860’s and developed them successfully. In 1872, 326 men were on the Eureka Mills payroll, working year-round to extend tunnels, lay tracks for mule-drawn ore carts, and complete a sawmill. The Mohawk mill began operation in 1878, powered solely by a nearby stream. It cost about $50,000 to build and had 60 stamps, each able to crush 2 ½ tons of ore every 24 hours. The stamps were extremely loud, and people grew used to the constant noise of milling, so when the mills suddenly fell silent, people rushed to learn what had happened.