The historic Powerhouses of the Sierras have been powering much of California\'s growth for the past hundred years or so.
The resulting machines were curious amalgamations of steam valves, riveted.
The oldest Powerhouses were built by survivors of the original gold rush, who turned metalworking and pipe-fitting skills to the task of generating electricity.
Located in canyons where water can be dropped thousands of feet from ridges above, they were California\'s first source of electrical power.
The historic Powerhouses of the Sierras have been powering much of California\'s growth for the past hundred years or so