Moses Rodgers facts for kids

Moses Logan Rodgers (born 1835 – died October 22, 1900) was an important African American pioneer in California. He arrived in 1849, right at the start of the famous California Gold Rush. California later joined the United States as the 31st state in 1850. Moses Rodgers became a very successful mining engineer during this exciting time.

Moses Rodgers' Early Life and Success

Moses Rodgers was born into slavery in Missouri. He traveled to California in 1849, seeking a new life. During the Gold Rush, he became well-known as a skilled mining engineer. He made a lot of money by digging for gold in mines he owned near Hornitos in Mariposa County.

Becoming a Mining Expert

People saw Moses Rodgers as a very smart person. His professional advice about mining was highly valued. He quickly became known as one of the top experts in California. Investors often came to him for guidance on where to find gold.

Leading Mines in California

Moses Rodgers became so good at mining that after the American Civil War, he was put in charge of several mines. These included the Mount Gaines Mine and the Washington Mine. Both Black and white people owned shares in these mines.

His most famous mine was the Washington Mine, which he started in 1869. This mine was very successful. It even employed Chinese workers. Some years, this mine produced over half a million dollars in gold! By the mid-1880s, the Washington Mine was one of the biggest in the area. It employed more than 30 men.

How the Washington Mine Worked

The Washington Mine had five main shafts, which are like big tunnels going down into the earth. There were also over 10,000 feet of underground tunnels. These tunnels helped bring gold and silver ore to the surface. Once the ore was out, workers sorted it by hand. Then, wagons carried it to the mine's special concentration mill. A newspaper in Merced once said that "there is no better mining man in the State" than Moses Rodgers.

Moses Rodgers' Lasting Legacy

Moses Rodgers left behind an important legacy. He made sure his family had the best opportunities.

• His Historic Home: The house Moses Rodgers built in 1898 is a historical landmark. It is located at 921 South San Joaquin St. in Stockton, California. This house is listed on The National Register of Historic Places. He built it for his wife, Sarah, and their five daughters. He made sure all his daughters received the best education available in California. One of his daughters, Vivian Rodgers, graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1909. She studied Science and Letters.
• Moses Rodgers Virtual Academy: There is a public charter school program named after him. The Moses Rodgers Virtual Academy is located at 302 W. Weber Avenue in Stockton. It offers a home-based learning program for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This school serves students across California's San Joaquin County.