Built in 1912, pretty late granted that most mining areas in the western states started during the mid 1800s, the Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge is now a historic gold dredge in Sumpter, Oregon. As heavy machinery was only used in placer mining in the area in 1912, the lateness could be easily explained.

Today, the Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge is under the care of the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department. The gold dredge is now placed in the preserved site known as the Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area. Aside from the historical machinery, there?s also a gift store and museum in the site, where visitors can watch videos telling the tale of the dredge workers, and view the historic photos and artifacts that are on display.