Historical information

The Napoleon (BML) gold mine (1932) was located beside McDougall Road, Golden Gully, between Martin and Hattam Street. It had a depth of 921 feet. It was one of the latest and most lavish of Bendigo's mines. Plant and equipment were electrically driven. The four-compartment shaft, extra large by goldfield's standards, measured 17 feet 6 inches by 5 feet 2 inches and was cement lined below 900 feet instead of being red gum boxed as was the usual practice. The workshop was equipped to carry out all repairs for the equally lavish BML mines on the Nell Gwynne and Carshalton reefs. (The Gold Mines of Bendigo, Book 2, Arthur Victor Palmer)

Significance

Significant to mining history of Bendigo.

Physical description

Black and white photograph. Image shows flat, open landscape with four large eucalypt trees in centre of image. Four men working with shovels on left hand side of image, one man with wheelbarrow and dog alongside. Wooden framed structure on right hand side.

Inscriptions & markings

Written in pencil on back of photograph: ' Battery excavations started 22/9/36' and 'excavations started'.