| Alberta, Banff — Banff Park Museum |
| | Opened in 1895, the Banff Park Museum was moved into this building in 1903. Its cross-log motif exemplifies an architectural style common in the town at the time. Norman Bethune Sanson, the museum’s curator from 1896 to 1932, energetically developed the collections, initially put together by the Geological Survey of Canada. Throughout its early years the museum dealt with natural and human history but by the late 1950s was limited to natural history. While this building was refurbished in 1985, . . . — Map (db m8836) |
| Alberta, Turner Valley — Turner Valley Oilfield |
| | Turner Valley is Alberta’s first great oilfield. Initially the field, which began production in 1914, yielded mainly natural gas. Local plants, which provided the only extensive gas-processing system in the province, extracted the marketable petroleum products. The discovery of deeper deposits in 1924 at Royalite No. 4 made Turner Valley the leading producer in Canada. In 1936, the crude-oil pool underlying the gas reserves was discovered and Turner Valley reached peak output. While production . . . — Map (db m9204) |
| British Columbia (Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District), Port Alberni — Forest Industry in British Columbia — L’Industrie Forestiere en Colombie-Britannique |
| | Harvesting of the forest has long been an important aspect of life on the Pacific Coast. The native people were the first to utilize this valuable resource in the construction of dwellings, canoes, and implements. In the nineteenth century, spars masts, and timber were exported. In 1860 the first export sawmill was constructed near this site. From these beginnings the forest industry has expanded to become a very important element of the economy of British Columbia. In this century considerable . . . — Map (db m9192) |
| British Columbia (Kitimat-Stikine Regional District), Moricetown — Moricetown Canyon |
| | This site, once the largest village of the Bulkley Valley Indians, later was named after the pioneer missionary, Father Morice. Salmon, staple food of the Indian, concentrated in the canyon and were caught with basketry traps, dip-nets, and harpoons. Indians still catch salmon with long gaff nooks and smoke them at this historic native fishery. — Map (db m9072) |
| British Columbia (Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District), Port Edward — Inverness Cannery |
| | The developing provincial salmon industry spread northward when the Inverness Cannery opened here in 1876. The first cannery in northern British Columbia, it took advantage of the abundant sockeye runs up the Skeena River to challenge the dominance of the canneries along the lower Fraser. Finally closed in 1950, the plant was destroyed by fire in 1973. — Map (db m9075) |
| British Columbia (Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District), Port Edward — North Pacific Cannery |
| | Salmon canning stimulated economic development on this coast. North Pacific is the oldest West Coast cannery still standing. From here the Bell-Irving family shipped high quality salmon directly to England before 1900. Typical of most canneries in its isolation and operations, North Pacific relied more on native labour than those close to urban centres, was slower to adopt new technology, and had lower production costs. Ethnically-segregated living and work areas divided Chinese, Indian, . . . — Map (db m9203) |
| Ireland, Connacht (County Galway), Inishmore, Aran Islands — Welcome to Port Corrúch Seal Colony — Failte go Port Corrúch |
| | Welcome to Port Corrúch Seal Colony
[First part of the marker is about the seal colony along the coastline and is not transcribed]
As you look across the North Sound you can see the Coast of Connemare and the Twelve pins of Connemara. Near by the factory ruins represents an out post of Victorian industianlism [sic] in the 19th Century. One of the earliest attempts to mechanige [sic] the kelp industry was sited just here for the topography of the area makes this Aran's most favoured . . . — Map (db m22928) |
| Ireland, Munster (County Kerry), Dunquin — The Blaskets |
| | This group, the most westerly off the Irish coast, comprises 7 sizeable islands and isolated rocks spread in a line west by south over 2½ miles of the Atlantic, the largest (Great Blasket) 2 miles off shore.
Antiquities of the early Christian period include oratories, crosses and “beehive” cells on Inis Mhicileáin and Inis Tuaisceart, and church ruins on the Great Blasket.
The economy of the islands, based mainly on fishing with some farming, in 1839 supported 13 . . . — Map (db m24096) |
| Alabama (Dallas County), Cahaba — Perine Well |
| | This artesian well was drilled to serve a factory which did not materialized. It was then used to water the grounds, a garden and pastures. In addition, by forcing water through pipes into his $50,000 home, E. M. Perine, a merchant prince, had the first air conditioning in Alabama. Fry's history relates that when drilled, this was the deepest known well in the world. Flow is now estimated at 1250 gallons per minute from a depth of 700-900 feet. — Map (db m23290) |
| Arizona (La Paz County), Quartzsite — 060-019 — Tyson's Well — Old Stage Station |
| | This was a stage stop between Ehrenberg and Wickenburg and points east. Travelers in the 1870's and 80's made their first stop here on eastward journeys from the Colorado River. "No grass, but good water," an early desert guide indicated accommodations for passengers were crude. — Map (db m7004) |
| Arizona (Mohave County), Kingman — Cerbat |
| | Site of Cerbat third historical Mohave County seat. Three miles from this highway in Cerbat Mountains and in canyon of the same name. It came to existence in 1860's as mining camp, and had mill, smelter, post-office, school, stores and saloons. Only mine sites remain now. — Map (db m20808) |
| Arizona (Mohave County), Kingman — 31805 — Chloride |
| | Four miles east is former mining town of Chloride which was started in 1864 with discovery of few mines. In 1900, it had two thousand population. Fifty or more mines were in operation around Chloride, including Tennessee – Schuykill, large producer of gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc. Post-Office in continuous operation from 1873. Now small community with blend of old and new. — Map (db m20737) |
| Arizona (Mohave County), Kingman — Mineral Park |
| | Five miles northeast is site of Mineral Park mining town, county seat in 1873 – 1887 with courthouse and jail; stores, hotels, saloons, shops, doctor, lawyer, assay offices, and two stagecoach stations; all lined up few streets. It is now abandoned. — Map (db m20809) |
| Arizona (Pima County), Lukeville — Kris Eggle |
| | On August 9, 2002
While protecting visitors from harm,
United States Park Ranger
Kris Eggle
Was slain in the line of duty.
His service and sacrifice
To the National Park Service
And the people of this country
Will never be forgotten. — Map (db m7003) |
| Arizona (Yavapai County), Prescott — Granite Creek |
| | American History in Arizona is quite recent, although the history of the Native American, Spanish and Mexican occupation periods are much older. Encampments of Native Americans were drawn to the creeks, which offered a fairly reliable source of fresh water, and the Anglo settlers followed suit. The first known Anglo-Americans to camp in the vicinity of Prescott were the Walker and Weaver parties in 1863. The Walker Party camped on the banks of Granite Creek in what is now downtown Prescott. . . . — Map (db m20666) |
| California (Alameda County), Pleasanton — Alviso Adobe Community Park — 5,000 Years of History in Seven Acres |
| |
[Panel 1:]
Pleasanton’s past and the rich stories of the people that have come before can be discovered in the landscape and features of this park. Three periods of occupation trace regional settlement from prehistory to the present day.
Native American Occupation
From as early as 3240 B.C., the valley was part of a permanent settlement of Indians. In the late 1700s, Spanish missionaries established nearby Mission San Jose, claiming this land and using it for cattle . . . — Map (db m24685) |
| California (Alameda County), Sunol — Sunol Water Temple |
| |
[Main Marker:]
California Historic
Civil Engineering Landmark
Alameda Creek Water System
1888
San Francisco Section A802 1975
[Second Marker:]
Restoration of the Sunol Water Temple
Started May 27, 1997
------------
Willie L. Brown – Mayor • E. Dennis Normandy – Commission President • Victor G. Makras – Commission Vice-President • Robert K. Werbe – Commissioner •
Frank L. Cook – Commissioner • Ann Moller Caen – . . . — Map (db m24499) |
| California (Alpine County), Markleeville — Alpine County Historical Complex |
| | The construction of this historical complex was initiated in 1964, "Alpine County's Centennial Year", by the Historical Society of Alpine County. With concerted effort and fortitude it was completed and duly dedicated as a historical landmark on June 17, 1972 by the Grand Parlor of The Native Sons of the Golden West.
Raymond P. Johnson, Grand President
In memory of U.S. Senator James D. Phelan — Map (db m3088) |
| California (Alpine County), Markleeville — Beautiful Hot Springs Valley — draws people now as it has for thousands of years |
| | Summer after summer the Washoe Indian people visited the valley. Eventually their idyllic retreat was discovered.
During the winter of 1844 Captain John Fremont may have seen this place during his crossing of the Sierra. Fremont’s diary of his crossing west over the Sierra has been interpreted by some historians with his route passing through Hot Springs Valley.
Just ten years later John Hawkins, the first white settler in the valley, began his cattle ranch here. His ranch house was . . . — Map (db m11001) |
| California (Alpine County), Markleeville — Grover Hot Springs |
| | Telltale signs of geologic activity surround Grover Hot Springs State Park. Bold granite peaks to the northwest are the work of immense mountain building forces. Old lava flows cover hundreds of square miles to the east, giving the Markleeville area its distinctly volcanic appearance. Ice Age glaciers carved this valley into the rugged form that visitors admire today.
The hot-springs here are a by-product of similar processes – the interplay of rock and fire and ice. Water melted from . . . — Map (db m13239) |
| California (Alpine County), Markleeville — Historic Silver Mountain City — (Kongsberg) |
| | Silver Boom Town in 1866
Population 3000
Remains of City Jail — Map (db m11480) |
| California (Amador County), Jackson — 786 — Argonaut and Kennedy Mines |
| | Argonaut Mine, discovered 1850, and Kennedy Mine, discovered 1856, played dramatic roles in the economic development of California, producing $105,268,760 in gold. Kennedy Mine has a vertical shaft of 5,912 feet, the deepest in the United States and changed mining methods in the Mother Lode. The Argonaut Mine was the scene of the Mother Lode's most tragic mine disaster. Forty eight miners were trapped in a fire at the 3,500-foot level on August 27, 1922 – A few survived. Both mines closed in 1942. — Map (db m13090) |
| California (Amador County), Jackson — Jackson |
| | . . . — Map (db m13089) |
| California (Amador County), Jackson — Kennedy Mining and Milling Company — 1860 - 1942 |
| | In the late 1850’s, Andrew Kennedy discovered gold in an outcropping of quartz. The mine produced over $34.2 million in gold, making it one of the richest gold mines in the world. With a depth of 5,912 feet, it was the deepest mine in North America when it was closed by the War Production Board in 1942. The mine office building was constructed in 1908 and contained as assay room with bullion furnace, administrative offices and guest rooms on the third floor.
This plaque is in memory of the . . . — Map (db m19797) |
| California (Amador County), Plymouth — Forest Home — 1850's — Stage and Freight Stopover |
| | Copper mines patented 1873:
Peak Outputs: Early 1860’s, 1895-1917, 1943-1947,
Township organized 1854.
A Methodist center for many years
U.S. Postoffice: 1862-1905 — Map (db m11361) |
| California (Amador County), Sutter Creek — Central Eureka Mine |
| | Was begun here in the early 1850’s as the Badger and later the Summit Mine. It consolidated with Hayward’s old Eureka Mine in 1924 as the Central Eureka Company, Amador Consolidated Mines. The main shaft reached a depth of 4,965’. It was the last of the mines to close operations in Amador County in 1954. Its combined earnings being over $36, 000,000 from 1,800,000 ounces of gold. — Map (db m13084) |
| California (Amador County), Sutter Creek — Emerson Shaft |
| | Eastern Shaft of the Wildman Mine located at the Post Office site. Used as an air chute and hoist shaft to dispose of waste rock later used to pave roads. The mine founded by William T. Wildman, circa 1851 — Map (db m12601) |
| California (Amador County), Sutter Creek — In Memory of GENERAL JOHN A. SUTTER — Benefactor of the Great State of — California |
| | Who mined here and gave Sutter Creek its name and under whose regime gold was discovered.
Also to those pioneer mothers, fathers and miners of the Mother Lode, which has produced millions is gold.
This rock used in Mother Lode Champion hand drilling contests. — Map (db m13407) |
| California (Amador County), Sutter Creek — Leland Stanford, Jr. — 1824 – 1893 |
| | A man of tremendous ambition, Leland Stanford, Sr., was one of California’s most distinguished businessmen, politicians, philanthropists, and proponents of education. Lured to California by the Gold Rush in 1852, he became an owner of Sutter Creek’s Union-Lincoln Mine. Stanford went on to become California’s governor, a U.S. Senator, member of the Central Pacific Railroad, “Big Four” and founder of Stanford University, a living memorial to his son, Leland Stanford, Jr. — Map (db m12610) |
| California (Amador County), Sutter Creek — Mahoney Mine |
| | On Top of the Hill
Founded by Jerry Mahoney from Killarney, Ireland in 1851. Claim purchased from Alvinza Hayward. Merged with the Wildman Mine and reached a depth of 1200 feet. Produced $5 million in gold. Later part of Lincoln Consolidated Co. — Map (db m12606) |
| California (Amador County), Sutter Creek — Wildman Mine — Powder House |
| | Founded by William T. Wildman in 1851. Merged with Mahoney Mine and reached a depth of 1500 feet. Combined mines operated a 70 stamp mill and produced a total of $5 million in old by 1924. Powder house used to store explosives. Became part of Lincoln Consolidated. Co. — Map (db m12598) |
| California (Amador County), Volcano — 29 — Volcano |
| | [Larger Marker]:
Started 1848 by soldiers of Colonel Stevenson’s Regiment. Named by miners because of apparent volcanic appearance. Here the first California rental library, 1850, was established. And one of the first “Little Theaters” founded by the “Volcano Thespian Society”, 1854
Interesting Civil War History.
[Smaller Marker]:
Volcano - Right Here!
1934 plaque placed in Pine Grove as "obituary" when planned dam would flood Volcano. . . . — Map (db m11336) |
| California (Amador County), Volcano — Volcano |
| | Discovered in 1848 by Colonel Stevenson’s men who mined Soldiers’ Gulch in ’49. First covered wagon party sluiced rich gravel beds. By ’53, men swarmed flats and gulches naming them picturesquely. Hydraulic operations, begun in ’55, brought thousands of fortune seekers to form town of 17 hotels, library, theaters and courts of justice. During Civil War, Volcano gold served the Union. “Volcano Blues” smuggled cannon “Old Abe” in, by hearse, to quell rebels. Mellow with . . . — Map (db m11365) |
| California (Butte County), Oroville — Cherokee |
| | Led from Indian Territory by their New England schoolmaster, a band of young Cherokee Argonauts discovered gold here 1850. Town established 1853 when first stores erected by Welsh miners. During heyday of 1875, Cherokee boasted its own theatre, race track, and brewery; 2 churches, 3 lodges, 8 hotels, 17 saloons, and a population over 1,000.
First diamonds in U.S. discovered here 1858. Hundreds found since. Largest weighing 6 carats.
Site of world's greatest hydraulic gold mine, the . . . — Map (db m234) |
| California (Calaveras County), Altaville — Altaville Foundry & Machine Works — Founded by J.M. Wooster — Est. 1854 |
| | Is the site of the longest running continuously operated foundry west of the Mississippi River. All quartz machinery needed for the numerous mines surrounding the Altaville, Angels Camp area was cast here. It was previously known as Altaville Foundry and Machine Works, Calavaras Iron & Steel Co., and lastly California Electric Steel Co. Previous owners: D.D. Demarest & T.H. Fullen, 1860, Lawrence Monte Verde & Demarest Family 1892, Lawrence Monte Verde Family 1928. — Map (db m13005) |
| California (Calaveras County), Angels Camp — Angels Camp — Home of the Jumping Frog — Romance - Gold - History |
| | Founded in 1849 by George Angel, who established a mining camp and trading store 200 feet below this marker. A rich gravel mining area and one of the richest quartz mining sections of the Mother Lode. Production records of over $100 million for Angels Camp and vicinity. Prominent in early day California history. Townsite established in 1873. Locale of Mark Twain's famous story, The Jumping Frog of Calaveras. Frequented by Joaquin Murietta, Black Bart and other early day bandits. — Map (db m14460) |
| California (Calaveras County), Angels Camp — James H. Carson |
| | James H. Carson (1821 - 1853)
- - Soldier, gold prospector and miner, writer, sportsman. Discovered gold at Carson’s Creek. He inspired a mutual confidence between man and man.
Dedicated by
Matuca Chapter, E.C.V.
This 27th Day of April 1974 — Map (db m7502) |
| California (Calaveras County), Angels Camp — Lightner Mine |
| | This mine site was located in 1855 by Peter Cameron, A.M. Wood, Will Powell and C.G. Lake. Lightner Mining Company organized and operated from 1896-1915. A 40 stamp mill crushed 500,000 tons of ore from vein which widened to 120’. Ore stopped at 700’ and cave in occurred. A new 900’ shaft failed to locate vein. Total production from the mine was $6,000,000. — Map (db m10633) |
| California (Calaveras County), Burson — 254 — Camanche |
| |
[Upper Marker:]
Named Camanche in 1849 after Camanche, Iowa. Once called Limerick. Peak population 1500. Rich mining at nearby Cat Camp, Poverty Bar, and Sand Hill. Mokelumne River water brought in by Lancha Plana and Poverty Bar ditch. Fire June 21, 1873, destroyed large Chinatown. Buhach manufactured on the nearby Hill Ranch.
Historical Landmark No. 254
Monument and plaque erected by Calaveras County Historical Society and Residents of Camanche, in cooperation with the . . . — Map (db m19752) |
| California (Calaveras County), Calaveritas — 255 — Calaveritas |
| | Calaveritas, settled in 1849 by Mexicans, was a flourishing mining town complete with stores, saloons, gambling houses, and fandango halls. Joaquin Murieta is reported to have frequently visited its Fandango Halls and gambling houses. Destroyed by fire in 1858. — Map (db m12992) |
| California (Calaveras County), Calaveritas — The Costa Store — Constructed by Mr. Luigi Costa in 1852 |
| | He conducted a butcher shop, a distillery and various other enterprises in these buildings, for a total of 50 years. Descendants of Luigi and Charlotte Costa have preserved this handsome example of the heritage of Calaveritas. — Map (db m12994) |
| California (Calaveras County), Copperopolis — 296 — Copperopolis — State Registered Landmark No.296 |
| | Copper here discovered by W. K. Reed and Thomas McCarty in 1860. Mines utilized during the Civil War and the First and Second World Wars. During Civil War period was the principal copper producing section of the United States. — Map (db m13002) |
| California (Calaveras County), Copperopolis — Copperopolis — The Town of |
| | With the discovery of copper ore in 1860 by Thomas McCarty and William K. Reed, the town of Copperopolis sprang into existence and soon became the largest producer of copper in the western United States. The population of Copperopolis grew to exceed 10,000 by 1863. The Union Mine was the largest producing mine in the area, working three shafts and hundreds of men on the payroll.
During the nations three recent wars, the Civil War, World War I and World War II, much of the copper ore that was . . . — Map (db m13004) |
| California (Calaveras County), Copperopolis — Copperopolis Armory |
| | Copperopolis Armory, built by public subscription in 1866 for 8,000 dollars, was used by the Union Guard for enlisting and training troops. In 1866 it was sold to the Copperopolis Armory Hall Association for 800 dollars in gold and was used for Congregational and Methodist Church services, public meetings, balls and rallies.
The property was purchased by the Mineral Lodge, I.O.O.F. in 1874 and used as a lodge until 1903. Copperopolis Community Center purchased the Armory in 1948. — Map (db m13003) |
| California (Calaveras County), Copperopolis — 281 — O'Bryne Ferry |
| | In 1852 a chain cable bridge replaced the ferries that once crossed here, to be supplanted in its turn by a covered truss structure in 1862. Some writers claimed this was the locale of Bret Harte's Poker Flat. In late “49” there was a large camp here, with miners washing gold out on both banks of the Stanislaus River. — Map (db m13013) |
| California (Calaveras County), Douglas Flat — The Italian Store |
| | Built is 1861 by Antonio and Caterina Gagliardo. Served as a Post Office and social center for the community of Douglas Flat. A hand dug well located next to the store supplied Douglas Flat with good fresh water and remains in good shape today. James Malespina purchased the store in 1885 where it remained in the family for several years.
A Wells Fargo office also occupied the building with a safe and armed guard to protect the gold from the Table Mountain and along Coyote Creek. The mines . . . — Map (db m10964) |
| California (Calaveras County), Jenny Lind — Jenny Lind |
| | Settled in the 1840’s as a flourishing gold mining, cattle ranching and farming community. — Map (db m13040) |
| California (Calaveras County), Mokelumne Hill — 265 — Chili Gulch |
| | Richest placer mining section, extending five miles, in Calaveras County. Received name from Chileans who worked gulch in 1848 and 1849, and scene of the so-called Chilean War. Largest known quartz crystals recovered from mine on south side of gulch. — Map (db m11515) |
| California (Calaveras County), Mokelumne Hill — 269 — Mokelumne Hill |
| | Mokelumne is an Indian word, first applied to the nearby river. Earliest settlement was at Happy Valley by French trappers. Gold was discovered by discharged members of Stevenson's Regiment in 1848. Center of the richest placer mining section of Calaveras County and one of the principal mining towns of California. Corral Flat produced over thirty millions in gold. Sixteen feet square constituted a claim. The so-called 'French War' for possession of gold mines occurred in 1851. 'Calaveras . . . — Map (db m12996) |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — 465 — Site of Brownsville |
| | A thriving mining camp on rich Pennsylvania Gulch in the 1850’s and 1860’s. Named for Alfred Brown, former owner of Table Mountain Ranch. Laws of Brownsville Mining District provided that each miner could own one wet and one dry claim, not to exceed 150 square feet. — Map (db m11501) |
| California (Calaveras County), Murphys — Thompson Building |
| | Built soon after 1856 by John Thompson operator of Lime Kiln on Posky Hill and stone mason, who built adjoining Traver Building, and many other stone buildings.
Occupied, circa 58, by Meyer & Friedlander, General Merchandise. Later Fred Sackett ran a saloon here. Bill Herbert earnestly tried his best to shoot Sackett here in a gambling — Map (db m13027) |
| California (Calaveras County), San Andreas — 258 — Fourth Crossing |
| | Located on the Stockton-Murphy’s Road at the fourth crossing of the Calaveras River. This early mining settlement, once called Foremans, was famous in the 1850’s for its rich placer ores. Later it became an important stage and freighting depot and served the southern mines until after the turn of the century. — Map (db m11969) |
| California (Calaveras County), San Andreas — 252 — San Andreas — Heart of the Southern Mines |
| | Settled by Mexicans in 1848. Named after Catholic Parish of St. Andrew. First newspaper published here Sept. 24, 1856. Destroyed by fire June 4, 1858 and in 1863. County seat of Calaveras County since 1866. Rendezvous of Joaquin Murietta. Black Bart, notorious stage robber tried and sent to prison from here. Noted mining camp since early days. Gold from the surrounding ancient river channels and placer mines contributed greatly to the success of the Union during the Civil War. — Map (db m11503) |
| California (Calaveras County), Valley Springs — 295 — Paloma (Fosteria) |
| | Gwin Mine, Paloma, and Lower Rich Gulch were mined for placer in 1849. Quartz was discovered by J. Alexander in 1851. Property acquired by Wm. M. Gwin, California's first U.S. Senator, in 1851. The Gwin Mine closed, in 1908, yielded millions. — Map (db m14449) |
| California (Calaveras County), West Point — 253 — Sandy Gulch |
| | This site, in 1849, was a trading center for pioneer miners of Northwestern Calaveras County. It was named after the gulch where William and Dan Carsner found large nuggets imbedded in the course sand.
Water for mining was brought from the Middle Fork of the Mokelumne River. Through the Sandy Gulch and Kadish Ditches. Quartz mining began in the early fifties. The first custom stamp mill was at the head of Sandy Gulch.
The school and elections precincts were established early. Hangman’s . . . — Map (db m11975) |
| California (Del Norte County), Crescent City — The Metcalf Grove |
| | This grove is given to the State of California for the preservation of these ancient trees by Mr. and Mrs. Jesse H. Metcalf of Rhode Island. — Map (db m1510) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — “Gold Boys Gold” |
| | On January 24, 1848, James Marshall set off early and alone to inspect progress in deepening the ditch that channeled water from the sawmill back to the river. Suddenly, he bent over and picked up a few particles gleaming in the icy water. “Hey, boys, by God, I believe I’ve found a gold mine,” he called, walking toward the mill hands.
The men ran to meet him. One seized a flake, bit it, and when the metal did not break, yelled, “Gold, boys, gold!” After they had . . . — Map (db m17241) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Cabin of James Marshall |
| | This cabin was erected by Marshall and occupied by him from 1856 : 1870. Born in New Jersey October 8, 1810. Came to California in 1845 – Died at Kelsey, this state, August 10, 1885. The discovery of gold by Marshall in the tailrace of John A. Sutter’s Mill at Coloma on January 24, 1848 started the historic migration to California by land and sea. The original sawmill, the building of which Marshall superintended was located 2190 feet north of this cabin on the American River. On an . . . — Map (db m12215) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Chinese Miners of the Mother Lode |
| | Following the California Gold Rush of ’49, swarms of Chinese miners came to make their mark on the diggings in the Mother Lode, including this Coloma Valley. They were industrious and self-contained and mostly content to thoroughly comb the old diggings. Thus they reclaimed much gold that would have been overlooked. Chinese merchants came to serve their needs, such as Wah Hop who ran the adjoining store.
This plaque dedicated to the memory of the diligent Chinese miners of the gold days. — Map (db m12225) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Chinese Stores |
| | These two stone buildings known as the Wah Hop and Man Lee Stores were built by Jonas Wilder before 1860and leased to Chinese merchants. Located at the edge of a large Chinese community, they sold traditional foods, clothing and other items. Such stores were also social centers and places for receiving news about other Chinese communities in the state. After a disastrous fire destroyed Coloma’s Chinese quarter in 1883, most of the Chinese left town. — Map (db m12227) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Coloma — An Artists View |
| | ”The principle street of Coloma was alive with crowds of moving men, passing and repassing, laughing, talking, and all appearing in the best of humor. It was a scene that no other country could ever imitate.”
from “A California Journal” by Charles Gillespie
Look over your left shoulder and you will see the view this artist saw in 1853 — Map (db m12274) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Coloma Breweries |
| | In the 1850’s and 1860’s Coloma had two breweries – the El Dorado and the Coloma – between Brewery Street and the river. An 1853 advertisement in Coloma’s newspaper stated: “Mr. Joseph Wellman would respectfully inform traders, hotelkeepers and the public generally, that he is ready to supply them a superior article of ale and cider by the barrel or otherwise, from his own manufactory. Draft ale on hand for sale, by the glass or gallon.” — Map (db m12324) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Coloma’s Largest Brick Store — (Site of) |
| | A large brick building measuring 50 feet by 65 feet, was built here in 1856. Two older frame structures were demolished and were sorely missed by the “old-timers” of that day. The brick for this store probably came from a brickyard 2 miles south of here. The store was demolished in 1877 by Robert Chalmers; he used the brick at the Vineyard House and then leased this ground to Chinese miners. — Map (db m12273) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Coloma’s Pioneer Cemetery |
| | Thousands of people emigrated to California with the dream of riches for themselves and have found their final rest in these hallowed grounds.
The exact date that the cemetery was founded is unknown. The earliest known graves date from 1849. In the past it has been known by various names: Sutter Mill, Coloma Protestant, and Vineyard.
More than 600 pioneers and their families are buried here. The graves contain the remains of those drawn to Coloma in search for gold. All races and many . . . — Map (db m12282) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — James W. Marshall — Discoverer of Gold |
| | “Boys I believe I have found a gold mine” so said James W. Marshall to his millworkers on January 24, 1848, after he discovered gold in the tail race of Captain John A. Sutter’s sawmill at Coloma. This discovery started the great Gold Rush to California which resulted in its admission to the Union as the thirty first state on September 9, 1850. This plaque dedicated in his honor by E Clampus Vitus, January 27, 1957 — Map (db m12224) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — James Wilson Marshall — And the Coloma Valley |
| | James Marshall arrived in the “Collumah”, valley home of the Nisenan, on May 8, 1847 to map the site for a sawmill he was to build in partnership with John Sutter. On August 18, Marshall returned with a crew, mostly Mormons, to build the mill. On Monday morning, January 24, 1848, while inspecting the tailrace downstream of the partially completed mill, Marshall picked up a flake of pure gold. The valley, the lives of Marshall and the Nisenan, and the land called California were forever changed. — Map (db m12320) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Miner’s Cabin |
| | This cabin is an example of he quarters used by miners during the gold rush. The earliest structures were canvas tents, made from recycled sailcloth taken from abandoned ships in San Francisco Bay. In 1849 Coloma had hundreds of “tent” cabins. When the miners found they would be here for longer periods, they began building more permanent homes, such as this log cabin. — Map (db m12270) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Mining Ditches |
| | Mining ditches were dug by ditch companies to carry vast amounts of water needed for placer mining. Thousands of miles of ditches and flumes were built in the gold country; some brought immense profits to their owners. As mining declined in the 1860s, the same ditches were used for irrigating orchards, vineyards and pastures in the foothills. This ditch is seven miles long, and now carries irrigation water to local farmers. The hillside terraces you see here were used to grow fruit trees and grape vines. Some of them were dug by James Marshall. — Map (db m17484) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Partners In History |
| | Friday, Aug. 27, 1847…made a contract and entered in partnership with Marshall for a sawmill to be built on the Amer. Fork.
So wrote John Augustus Sutter, methodically recording the agreement that led to California’s astonishing gold rush. Sutter left Germany for the United States in 1834, after several years in the Midwest, reached the Sacramento Valley in 1839. A year later he received a 48,000-acre land grant from the Mexican government and began creating a small empire near the . . . — Map (db m17226) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Pioneer Cemetery |
| | This cemetery, also called “Coloma Protestant” Cemetery, “Sutter’s Mill” Cemetery, and “Vineyard House” Cemetery, is the final resting place for many ‘49ers. Among these graves are the remains of miners, farmers, merchants, tradesmen and their families, as well as murderers and prostitutes. This cemetery contains an estimated 400 – 500 graves. Many are unmarked; the wooden markers disappeared long ago. The oldest existing gravestone is dated 1850. This . . . — Map (db m12279) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Robert Bell's Store |
| | Most of Coloma's buildings were wooden, but some were were made of brick or stone to resist fire. This one, known as "Bells Brick Store," was a general merchandise store that also sold feed and grain. The U.S. Post Office was located in this building for many years. — Map (db m12207) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Saint John’s Cemetery |
| | This is Coloma’s Catholic Cemetery. There were probably some internments here early in the 1850’s. Many of the early burials were marked by wooden markers that have long since disappeared. The oldest existing headstone is dated 1861. This cemetery contains an estimated 80 to 100 graves. Many of the burials are in large family plots, such as the Murphy’s, Kane, Gallagher, Bayne, and Luneman families. Because the cemetery is on a hillside, eight plots are ringed with stone or concrete walls which help to stabilize the terraced ground. — Map (db m12280) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Sierra Nevada House — (Site of) |
| | The Sierra Nevada House was a handsome two-story building with many windows and a broad balcony. Here guests could always expect fine hospitality, suburb food, excellent ballroom music, fine carriages and comfortable beds. It was opened by Robert Chalmers from 1852 until 1869, when he sold it to begin building the Vineyard House. The fading old hotel continued to serve travelers and boarders until it was destroyed by fire in 1902. A new hotel was built. It burned in 1925. A replica now stands . . . — Map (db m12237) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Sutter Mill Cemetery – 1848 |
| | Originated at time of gold discovery also known as “Coloma Protestant” or “Vineyard House” Cemetery. Still used by local pioneer families. — Map (db m12277) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Sutter Mill Replica |
| | This replica of Sutter’s Mill was based on research from many sources – a drawing by James Marshall, an old photograph of the mill, and the results of several excavations made on the original mill site. The building is 60 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 39 feet high, and 80,000 board feet of lumber were used in construction. The structure is assembled with wooden pegs – no nails were used. As in the original mill, all timbers were adzed by hand. The replica was placed here because the . . . — Map (db m12206) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Sutter Mill Timbers |
| | John Sutter’s mill was not used after 1850 and it deteriorated rapidly. The flood of 1862 destroyed the above ground remains of the structure. In 1924 the original mill site was located and the mill monument was built. Major excavations in 1947 found these handhewn timbers still in place. From the mill timbers it was possible to measure the size of the original sawmill, 60 feet long and 20 feet wide. The nearby mill replica was built in 1967 based upon this information and upon James Marshall’s sketches and description. — Map (db m12222) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — 748 — The Coloma Road |
| | Here in the Valley of the Cul-lum-mah Indians, James W. Marshall discovered gold on January 24, 1848, in the tailrace of Sutter’s sawmill. The Old Coloma Road, opened in 1847 from Sutter’s Fort to Coloma, was used by Marshall to carry the news of the discovery to Captain John A. Sutter. During the Goldrush it was used by thousands of miners going to and from the diggings. In 1849 it became the route of California’s first stage-line, established by James E. Birch. — Map (db m12272) |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — The Tailrace |
| | Here on a chilly morning in January, 1848, carpenter James Marshall picked up the small pieces gold that touched off one of the largest, most frenzied mass migrations in history. Within a year of Marshall’s discovery, six thousand gold seekers swarmed over the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. Thousands more who followed completely changed the what had been a quiet, remote Mexican province. — Map (db m17608) |
| California (El Dorado County), El Dorado — 486 — El Dorado |
| | El Dorado, meaning “The Gilded One”, was first known as Mud Springs from the boggy quagmire the cattle and horses made of a nearby watering place.
Originally a important camp along the old Carson Emigrant Trail. By 1849 – 50 it had become the center of a mining district and the crossroads for freight and stage lines. At the height of the Rush its large gold production supported a population of several thousand. — Map (db m13148) |
| California (El Dorado County), El Dorado — 700 — El Dorado (Mud Springs) |
| | Trading post, emigrant stop, and mining camp of the 1850’s. This became one of the remount stations of the Central Overland Pony Express. Here at the Nevada House on April 13, 1860, pony rider William (Sam) Hamilton changed horses while carrying the first west-bound mail of the Pony Express from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California. — Map (db m11571) |
| California (El Dorado County), Georgetown — 484 — Georgetown |
| | Founded August 7, 1849 by George Phipps and party. Nicknamed Growlersburg from the heavy nuggets that “growled” in the miners’ pans. Georgetown was the hub of an immensely rich gold area. After the disastrous fire of 1852 the old town was moved from the canyon in lower Main Street to its present site. Unique in early day planning, Main Street was laid out 100 feet wide and side streets 60 feet. Population was 3,000 in 1854 – 56. — Map (db m11370) |
| California (El Dorado County), Placerville — 475 — Placerville — Originally Known as “Hangtown” — Incorporated May 13, 1854 |
| | Established on banks of “Hangtown” Creek as rich mining camp in spring of 1848. Millions in gold were taken from its ravines and hills. Supply center for surrounding mining camps and transportation terminus for famous Comstock Lode. John M. Studebaker, Mark Hopkins, Leland Stanford, Phillip Armour, and Edwin Markham were among well-known men who contributed to Placerville’s early history. Also, “Snowshoe” John A. Thompson who carried from 60 to 80 pounds of mail on skies . . . — Map (db m12732) |
| California (El Dorado County), Placerville — Placerville Hardware |
| | Oldest continuously operating
hardware store west of the Mississippi River
One hundred forty years in business — Map (db m13154) |
| California (El Dorado County), Shingle Springs — 456 — Camp Site of Boston-Newton Party |
| | On this site the Boston-Newton Joint Stock Association encamped on September 26, 1849. The company left Boston April 16 and arrived at Sutter’s Fort September 27. After a remarkable journey across the continent a rich store of written records preserved by these pioneers has left for posterity a fascinating picture of the Gold Rush. — Map (db m11568) |
| California (Kern County), Lebec — 129 — Fort Tejon |
| | This military post was established by the United States Army on June 24, 1854, to suppress stock rustling and for the protection of Indians in the San Joaquin Valley. As regimental headquarters of the First Dragoons, Fort Tejón was an important military, social, and political center. Camels for transportation were introduced here in 1858. The fort was abandoned September 11, 1864. — Map (db m2605) |
| California (Kern County), Mojave — 652 — Mojave 20-Mule Team Borax Terminus |
| | Just west of this point was the Southern Pacific terminus for the 20-mule-team borax wagons that operated between Death Valley and Mojave from 1884 to 1889. The route ran from the Harmony Borax Mining Company works, later acquired by the Pacific Coast Borax Company, to the railroad loading dock in Mojave over 165 miles of mountain and desert trail. A round trip required 20 days. The ore wagons, which hauled a payload of 24 tons, were designed by J. W. S. Perry, Borax Company superintendent in . . . — Map (db m11928) |
| California (Lassen County), Susanville — Burial of Peter Lassen |
| | “In November 1859 – almost half a year after Lassen’s death, another party with Joe Kitts, Antone Storff, and John Tutt, began a new trip back to Black Rock. The men were going to bring the remains of Peter Lassen’s body back to Susanville and Honey Lake Valley. Lassen was buried outside Susanville, with Masonic honors, on November 27, 1859. He was buried under the big tree, where he had camped his first night in the valley – and where he had wanted, that his last resting . . . — Map (db m14233) |
| California (Los Angeles County), Newhall — 168 — Oak of the Golden Dream |
| | Francisco Lopez made California’s first authenticated gold discovery on March 9, 1842. While gathering wild onions near an oak tree in Placerita Canyon he found gold particles clinging to the roots of the bulbs. The San Fernando placers and nearby San Feliciano Canyon were worked by Sonoran miners using panning, sluicing and dry washing methods. Lopez’s find predated James Marshall’s strike at Sutter’s Mill by six years.
California Registered Historical Landmark No.168
First registered . . . — Map (db m20109) |
| California (Los Angeles County), Newhall — Oak of the Golden Dream |
| |
In 1839, the Mexican Government granted to
Antonio del Valle some 48,000 acres of
The Santa Clarita Valley known as the Del Valle Rancho.
On March 9, 1842, Francisco Lopez y Arbello, the brother-in-law of Antonio del Valle, visited the Rancho. While napping under a great oak tree, he dreamt that he was surrounded by gold and was very rich. Upon awaking, he picked a bunch of wild onions that were growing around some sycamore trees just north of the great oak tree. Attached to the onion . . . — Map (db m20112) |
| California (Los Angeles County), Signal Hill — 580 — Discovery Well - Signal Hill Field |
| | Shell Oil Company – Alamitos No. 1 •
June 25, 1921.
One of the world’s most famous wells, Alamitos No. 1, was started on March 23, 1921, and completed June 25, 1921, at a depth of 3,114 feet, flowing 590 barrels of oil a day.
This discovery well led to the development of one of the most productive oil fields in the world and helped to establish California as a major oil producting state.
This monument commemorating Alamitos No. 1 is a tribute to the petroleum pioneers . . . — Map (db m2476) |
| California (Los Angeles County), Sylmar — 653 — “The Cascades” |
| | This is the terminus of the Los Angeles-Owens River Aqueduct, which brings water 338 miles from the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada to the City of Los Angeles. Begun in 1905, the great aqueduct was completed November 5, 1913. The Mono Craters Tunnel project, completed in 1940, extended the system 27 miles to its present northernmost intake near Tioga Pass.
California Registered Historical Landmark No.653
Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Los . . . — Map (db m20089) |
| California (Mariposa County), Coulterville — Whistling Billy |
| | This eight-ton, short-wheel base, wood burning locomotive, built by the H. K. Porter Co. of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, was delivered to the Merced Mining Company of Coulterville in 1897. All of "Billy’s" active life was spent hauling gold-bearing quartz ore over the narrow-guage tracks from the Mary Harrison mine, south of town, to the Potosi stamp mill, west of town – a distance of about four miles. Abandoned in 1904, it was resurrected in the mid 1930's, and placed here for all to see and . . . — Map (db m5956) |
| California (Mendocino County), Fort Bragg — Charles Russell Johnson — Founder of Fort Bragg, CA |
| | This section of the largest Redwood Tree known to have grown in Mendocino County is dedicated this day, September 6, 1943 by the citizens of the City of Fort Bragg to the memory of
Charles Russell Johnson
who founded their city Aug. 5, 1889 — Map (db m11085) |
| California (Mono County), Benton — Montgomery City California |
| | In October of 1863, rich silver discoveries led to the formation of Montgomery Mining District and Montgomery City which, although short lived, supported a newspaper, The Pioneer. There were no continuous veins found and mining operations soon ceased. Cloudbursts have destroyed the site, located 2½ miles east of U.S. Highway 6 from Benton Station.
Plaque dedicated September 11, 1976
Bodie Chapter of E Clampus Vitus
Mono County Board of Supervisors — Map (db m3492) |
| California (Nevada County), Nevada City — English and New Salmon Mine Stamp Mill |
| | This stamp mill was manufactured at the Miners Foundry and Supply Co., Nevada City, California in the late 1800’s. After a circuitous journey, it has returned to its place of crushing hard rock at the English Mine and then the New Salmon Mine, owned by Donald McPherson, at Badger Hill. The stamp mill ceased operation in 1942 when all non-critical gold mines were shut down. After sitting idle through the years overgrown by trees and brush the stamp mill was moved in the 1970’s to the Nevada City . . . — Map (db m12862) |
| California (Nevada County), Nevada City — Giant |
| | This monitor was used at the now closed La Grange Mine near Weaverville in Trinity County and is similar in size to those used at the Malakoff to wash down the gravel hillsides.
It was obtained through a joint effort of E Clampus Vitus, Trinitarianus Chapter, Weaverville, and Wm. Bull Meek-Wm. Morris Stewart Chapter, Nevada City. — Map (db m861) |
| California (Nevada County), Nevada City — Miners Foundry – Allans Machine Shop — Founded 1856 |
| | This original brick building in continuous usage as a foundry for over 110 years. Famous Pelton Waterwheel developed and manufactured here in 1878. Ingenious double-cupped bucket designed by Lester A. Pelton of Camptonville and Nevada City. It became the basis for Hydro-electric turbin generators throughout the world. — Map (db m12863) |
| California (Nevada County), Nevada City — 1012 — Pelton Wheel Manufacturing Site |
| | The Pelton Water Wheel, first commercially manufactured here at George Allan’s Foundry & Machine Works in 1879, was a major advancement in water power utilization and greatly advanced hard-rock mining. Its unique feature was a series of paired buckets, shaped like bowls of spoons and separated by a splitter, that divided the incoming water jets into two parts. By the late 1800, Pelton Wheels were providing energy to operate industrial machinery throughout the world. In 1888, Lester Pelton moved . . . — Map (db m12796) |
| California (Nevada County), Truckee — Rocking Stone |
| | A natural glacier formation, or the work of an unknown tribe as a form of altar. It’s exact origin will never be known. The perfectly balanced stone until recently would rock at the touch of a finger.
C.F. McGlashan built the original tower in 1895 and used it to display Donner Party relics and his famous butterfly collection. The site of an overnight stop for the Olympic Torch in 1960. — Map (db m23527) |
| California (Placer County), Auburn — 463 — Town of Ophir |
| | Founded in 1849 as 'The Spanish Corral,' Area proved so rich that Biblical name of Ophir adopted in 1850. Most populous town in Placer County in 1852, polling 500 votes. Almost totally destroyed by fire in July 1853. Later became the center of quartz mining in this county. — Map (db m11922) |
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