Natomas Ditch System, Rhodes Ditch, West of Bidwell Street, north of U.S. Highway 50, Folsom, Sacramento County, CA

The original survey used the name "Natomas Ditch System, Rhodes Ditch." Subsequent research indicated that this name was incorrect. The name was corrected to "Natomas Ditch System, Rhoades' Branch Ditch" when an addendum was completed.
The original survey used the address "West of Bidwell Street, north of U.S. Highway 50." At the time of the addendum, the address was changed to "Approximately 7 miles between Nesmith Court and White Rock Road," to include the greater length of the ditch that was documented.
Significance: The Rhoades' Branch Ditch was one segment of the much larger Natomas Ditch System. Together they played an important role in the development of mining and agriculture in the Folsom area, a significant part of the history of California. Mining and agriculture have been two of the major economic mainstays of California's economy, and water, transported to these industries, allowed these enterprises to prosper. As one of the earliest and longest-lasting commercially successful water conveyance systems in the western United States, the Natomas Ditch and its branches encompass an historic period extending from 1852 through the 1940s. Mining without a continuous supply of water slowed progress until the Rhoades' Branch Ditch was completed by the Natoma Water and Mining Company in June of 1853. This branch ditch was part of the company's larger endeavor to deliver water from the American River to the dry diggings around Folsom.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N395
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N1603
Survey number: HAER CA-144-B
Building/structure dates: 1853 Initial Construction