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JIM CROW DIVERSION SLUICE
HEPBURN REGIONAL PARK HEPBURN SPRINGS, HEPBURN SHIRE

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Statement of Significance
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Statement of Significance

The Jim Crow Creek Gold Mining Diversion Sluice consists of a 400 metre long stone embankment which was probably built in the early 1860s when Jim Crow Creek was being extensively worked by European and Chinese miners The embankment was used to divert the waters of Jim Crow Creek through sluice boxes, and away from its natural bed and eastern bank which were then mined for alluvial gold. On the western slope of the creek are several house sites and at least one baker's oven.

The Jim Crow Creek Gold Mining Diversion Sluice is of historical, archaeological and scientific importance to the State of Victoria.

The Jim Crow Creek Gold Mining Diversion Sluice is historically and scientifically important as a characteristic and well preserved example of an early form of gold mining. Gold mining sites are of crucial importance for the pivotal role they have played since 1851 in the development of Victoria. Water diversion and sluicing are important key ingredients in an understanding of gold mining technology as it was employed in mountainous country where water was plentiful and perennial.

The Jim Crow Creek Gold Mining Diversion Sluice is archaeologically important for its potential to yield artefacts and evidence which will be able to provide significant information about the cultural history of gold mining and the gold seekers themselves.

[Source: Victorian Heritage Register]

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- History
  
  JIM CROW DIVERSION SLUICE - History
  Heritage Inventory History of Site: Jim Crow Creek was being extensively worked by sluicing parties in the late 1850s/early 1860s. As the following references from the Mining Surveyors Monthly Reports show, during this time both European and Chinese were living along the creek: August 1859: Puddling and sluicing - A number of claims have lately been purchased by Chinamen, who seem on the whole to be getting on very well on Jim Crow. Parties of 10 or 12 bring their earnings from other diggings to purchase sluicing claims here ... A number of Chinamen are fossicking about our old alluvial workings; but I believe most of them are only watching an opportunity to begin sluicing or paddocking.April 1861: Puddling has during the last month received quite an impetus. From Bendigo and Forest Creek, where generally puddlers are considered more expert than elsewhere parties are weekly coming in, and most of them after a while take up claims and domesticate themselves in Jim Crow, a circumstance that augers well for the prosperity of the coming winter ... The creek beds are in full occupation by Chinese.
  
  Heritage Inventory Description
  
  JIM CROW DIVERSION SLUICE - Heritage Inventory Description
  
  Diversion sluice - Approximately 400ft long, 4ft to 8ft high stone wall running along the western side of the creek. The creek bank and terrace behind the stone wall has been extensively worked, but now is very overgrown with blackberries. Water races - Several levels of benched water races run along the eastern side of Jim Crow Creek.
  
  Heritage Inventory Significance: The site has:Scientific significance - well preserved diversion with associated alluvial workingsArchaeological potential - the clearance of the blackberries would expose more of the featureNetwork values - diversion sluice/workings and nearby mining villageSIGNIFICANCE RANKING: National Estate
  
  Recorded By: David Bannear
  
  Heritage Inventory Site Features: Diversion sluiceWater races
- Show:
- JIM CROW CREEK GOLD MINING DIVERSION SLUICE
  
  Victorian Heritage Register H1257
- BREAKNECK GORGE GOLD PUDDLING SITE
  
  Victorian Heritage Register H1305
- JIM CROW CREEK DREDGING
  
  Victorian Heritage Inventory