Old Joe Marker

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Near Foresthill in Placer County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Old Joe

By Karen Key, October 29, 2006

1. Old Joe Marker

Inscription. On the day of July 3, 1901 a stagecoach, driven by Henry Crockett, was on its way to the town of Foresthill when a hooded man appeared with a shotgun and ordered Crockett to stop, to which he replied, “You are only foolin.” At that the robber shot and killed the wheel horse known as “Old Joe.” He then robbed the stage and its passengers. Although the robber was later identified as Henry Wise, he was never captured. This plaque and monument replaces the wooden sign that was put at this site by Auburn Parlor No. 59.

Dedicated in
truth, liberty and toleration
July 3, 2001

by the
Grand Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West
William E. Hargis, Grand President

Erected 2001 by Grand Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West.

Marker series. This marker is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West marker series.

Location. 38° 59.479′ N, 120° 55.528′ W. Marker is near Foresthill

Adjacent Marker Photo, Click for full size

By Karen Key, October 29, 2006

2. Adjacent Marker

Old Joe — Stage horse shot by stage robber. July 3, 1901.

, California, in Placer County. Marker is on Foresthill Divide Road near between Foresthill and Auburn, on the right when traveling east. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Foresthill CA 95631, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. Yankee Jim's (approx. 4.3 miles away); Forest Hill (approx. 6.1 miles away); Compressed Air Engine (approx. 6.2 miles away); Foresthill General Store (approx. 6.2 miles away); Foresthill Protestant Cemetery (approx. 6.4 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Foresthill.

Also see . . .
1. Along Stagecoach Line, Hero Is A Horse. Cindy Carpien’s story on Old Joe, broadcast July 23, 2011, on NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday. (Submitted on July 23, 2011.)

2. Old Joe Shot Dead In Stage Robbery - Horse Still Remembered Along Foresthill Trail. An article published in The Foothill Inquirer on Monday June 8, 2009. (Submitted on July 25, 2011.)

Old Joe Markers Photo, Click for full size

By Karen Key, October 29, 2006

3. Old Joe Markers

The Original "Old Joe" Marker, on exhibit in the Foresthill Divide Museum. Photo, Click for full size

By Barry Swackhamer, June 5, 2011

4. The Original "Old Joe" Marker, on exhibit in the Foresthill Divide Museum.

Old Joe, a stage horse, was shot by a stage robber, July 3, 1901. Henry Crocket was stage driver, and when ordered to stop, said, "You are only fooling." At that, Old Joe was shot and the stage was robbed. The robber turned out to be Henry Wise and was never heard of again. Erected by Auburn Parlor #59, N.S.G.W.

Credits. This page originally submitted on November 7, 2006, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 6,326 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 7, 2006, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. 4. submitted on July 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.