| British Columbia (Capital Regional District), Victoria — Fort Victoria |
| | The mooring rings on the rocks below are the only surviving fragment of Fort Victoria built by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1843. From 1846, when the Oregon boundary was drawn at the 49th parallel, this post served as grand depot and headquarters of the Company’s Pacific fur trade. Ships moored here to unload supplies for an extensive network of forts and to take on natural products for export, principally to Alaska, California and Hawaii. In 1849 the first Legislative Assembly of the Colony of . . . — Map (db m9195) |
| Ontario (Middlesex County), London — Banting House |
| | Here, in the early morning hours of October 31, 1920, Dr. Frederick Banting conceived an idea for research that led to the discovery of insulin. He believed that diabetes, then a fatal disease, could be treated by a substance extracted from a dog's atrophied pancreas. Banting was the pivotal member of the Toronto team that isolated and refined this extract, now known as insulin. In January 1922, insulin showed spectacular test results and became a lifesaving therapy worldwide. Banting House, . . . — Map (db m18975) |
| Ontario (Middlesex County), London — The Founding of London |
| | In 1793, here on the River Thames, Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe selected a site for the capital of Upper Canada. York, however, became the seat of government and the townsite of London lay undeveloped until its selection in 1826 as the judicial and administrative centre of the London District. A court-house and gaol (1829) and homes for the government officials were built, stores and hotels were opened, and by 1834 the community contained over 1100 inhabitants. A British garrison . . . — Map (db m18971) |
| Ireland, Leinster (County Louth), Monasterboice — Monasterboice / Mainistir Bhuithe |
| | Monasterboice — from Mainistir Bhuithe (the Monastery of Buithe)
This is the only early Irish monastery whose name incorporates the Irish word mainistir.
Monasterboice was founded by St Buite, who died around 520.
The monastery was an important centre of spirituality and learning for many centuries until the Cistercians arrived at nearby Mellifont in 1142.
The two churches which stand on the site today were probably built no earlier than the end of the 14th . . . — Map (db m24628) |
| Ireland, Leinster (County Meath), Newgrange — The Woodhenge/Pit circle / The Winter Soltice |
| | The Woodhenge/Pit circle
If you were here 4000 years ago in the Early Bronze Age you would be standing inside a large wooden enclosure. The passage tomb was no longer in use at this time but the site was still a focal point for ritual and celebration.
Because the enclosure was made of wood, it hasn't survived above ground. However, evidence of it was found by archaeologists. They found postholes where the huge wooden stakes had been. They also found pits where small animals had been . . . — Map (db m22522) |
| Ireland, Leinster (County Meath), Slane — Slane Abbey — Mainistir Shláine |
| | Slane Abbey
It is believed that in 433 AD, the first Christian missionary to Ireland, later known as St. Patrick, lit a large celebration fire here on the Hill of Slane.
Soon after St Patrick, a monastery associated with St Earc was built on the site. But we know little of its history until the church was rebuilt in its present form in 1512, when Sir Christopher Fleming founded a Franciscan friary. The church was built to a simple plan but it has a fine bell tower; the aisle to the . . . — Map (db m22533) |
| 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) |
| Ireland, Munster (County Kerry), Reask — Reask Monastic Site / Láthair Mhainistreach an Riaisc |
| | Reask - from An Riasc (the marsh). This important early monastery was probably founded in the 6th century.
Little is known of the history of the site. The enclosing wall is roughly circular and its interior is divided by a curving wall into two parts. In the eastern part is the oratory (a small church) which was made - like all the other buildings on the site - with dry-stone walls with a corbelled roof; no mortar was used to hold the walls together.
Besides . . . — Map (db m24147) |
| United Kingdom, Kent, Walmer — Caesar’s Invasion of Britain |
| | The first Roman invasion of Britain led by Julius Caesar landed near here LV BC. — Map (db m24553) |
| Alabama (Dallas County), Cahaba — Cahaba First State Capital — 1818-1826 |
| | This stone marks the site of Cahaba, selected November 21, 1818 as the first permanent capital of Alabama. The seat of goverment remaining here until removed to Tuscaloosa by the Legislature, January 1825.
On December 13, 1819, it was fixed as the Seat of Justice of Dallas County, and so continued until December 14, 1865.
As state capital and as county seat, Cahaba was representative of the best in the life of a Great Commonwealth.
Erected by the Alabama Centennial Commission and . . . — Map (db m22609) |
| Alabama (Dallas County), Cahaba — Kirk-View Farm |
| | In 1866, shortly after the Civil War and a severe flood, the county seat was moved from Cahaba to Selma. Residents rapidly abandoned the town. Many homes were dismantled and reassembled elsewhere.
Despite this trend, returning Confederate veteran Samuel McCurdy Kirkpatrick and his wife Sarah purchased a large brick house and outlying structures here on the northern edge of town. They acquired many of the vacated town lots and consolidated them into a large farm. For nearly seventy years, . . . — Map (db m22362) |
| Alabama (Dallas County), Cahaba — Site of Alabama's Statehouse — 1820 - 1825 |
| | This structure collapsed in 1833 and its fallen remains were reportedly heaped into a railroad embankment. Consequently, we have no picture of the Statehouse that was drawn by someone who actually saw the building. Any modern picture you see of this structure is pure conjecture.
We can only hope that archaeologists will uncover important clues to the appearance of Cahawba's Statehouse. — Map (db m22612) |
| Alabama (Etowah County), Alabama City — Howard Gardner Nichols 1871-1896 — Scholar, Engineer, Industrialist, Naturalist, Humanitarian |
| | Nichols came to Alabama City in 1894 to supervise construction of the Dwight Manufacturing Company. While serving as the mill's first agent, he planned and began a model mill village and was elected Mayor of Alabama City. — Map (db m18578) |
| Alabama (Etowah County), Attalla — First United Methodist Church Of Attalla |
| | In 1851 twelve Methodist meet in Newton (later Attalla) to plan a Methodist Episcopal Church. A crude log building on North Fifth Street served as the first church. In 1861 and again in 1882 the church relocated on Fifth to accommodate the growing membership. A full-time pastor was added in 1888. In 1896 Attalla was first reported at the North Alabama Methodist Annual Conference. Ground was broken for the present church home in 1903. On May 1, 1904, the congregation assembled for the first Sunday worship in the new sanctuary. — Map (db m18569) |
| Alabama (Etowah County), Gadsden — Dwight Mill Village |
| | Dwight Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts selected this site in Alabama City for a cotton mill in 1894. The Mill and the village covering 240 acres was constructed under the direction of Howard Gardner Nichols.
There were 160 New England style cottages in the original construction plan, each home had a distinctive architectural style and color scheme. Later construction brought the total number of homes in the village to 700. This model Village was designed with its own . . . — Map (db m18575) |
| Alabama (Jefferson County), Birmingham — Belview Heights Neighborhood |
| | The Corey Land Company, a group of prominent local businessmen headed by Robert Jemison, Jr., developed Belview Heights as a neighborhood for the professional employees of U.S. Steel in the 1910's. Extending the grid system being used in Ensley over the topography of the 30 square block area, Jemison created a neighborhood of rolling streets and avenues, occasional steeply pitched lots, and captivating views. In 1915, the city of Birmingham set the architectural tone for Belview Heights when it . . . — Map (db m24351) |
| Alabama (Jefferson County), Birmingham — Sloss Furnaces |
| | The crossing of railroads in 1872 adjacent to this site gave rise to the industrial city of Birmingham. In 1881 Alabama railroad magnate and entrepreneur James Withers Sloss, capitalizing on the unusual coincidence of coal, iron ore and limestone in the area, founded the Sloss Furnace Company as an iron manufacturer and built blast furnaces beside the railroad crossing. Production of pig iron at Sloss Furnaces began in 1882 and continued for almost 90 years. Early 20th century additions to the . . . — Map (db m23498) |
| Alaska (Fairbanks North Star Borough), Fox — Pipeline History |
| | On November 16, 1973, through Presidential approval of pipeline legilation, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company received
permission to begin construction of the 800-mile trans Alaska pipeline, its pump stations and the Marine Terminal at
Valdez. The 360-mile road from the Yukon River to Prudhoe Bay was built, and construction of the Valdez Terminal was
begun in 1974.At the same time, work started on pump stations and the pipeline work pad.
The lengths of pipe were placed under the . . . — Map (db m20215) |
| Alaska (Sitka Borough), Sitka — 250th Anniversary of the Bering- Chirikov Expedition — 1741-1991 |
| | [Top rim]:
К 250 летию экспедиции В. И. Беринга и А.И. Чирикова
Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Bering-Chirikov Expedition
(English version on left):
May the wheel of change forever turn with peace, justice and opportunity
(Russian . . . — Map (db m8448) |
| Alaska (Skagway Hoonah Angoon Borough), Skagway — Fatal Duel |
| | Frank Reid, guarding the approach to Sylvester's Wharf, where the vigilantes were meeting to restore law and order, shot "Soapy Smith" who failed to stop when challenged, July 8, 1898. — Map (db m14505) |
| Alaska (Skagway Hoonah Angoon Borough), Skagway — Skagway and White Pass |
| | has been designated a
Registered National
Historic Landmark
Under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 24, 1935, this site possesses exceptional value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States — Map (db m5051) |
| Arizona (Mohave County), Oatman — Oatman, Arizona — Elevation 2700 Feet |
| | Oatman was founded about 1908. By 1931,
the areas mines which had produced over
1.8 million ounces of gold. By the mid 1930's,
the boom was over and in 1942 the last
remaining mines were closed as nonessential
to the war effort.
Burros first came to Oatman with early day
prospectors. The animals were also used inside
the mines for hauling rock and ore outside the
mines. Burros were used for hauling water and
supplies. As the mines closed and people moved
away, the Burros were . . . — Map (db m18964) |
| Arizona (Pima County), Sikul Himatk — Quijotoa |
| | This is a Papago word meaning, mountain shaped like a carrying basket.
Discovery of a pocket of gold and silver ore led to a fabulous boom development here in 1883.
The desert has reclaimed the original site and its suburbs of Logan City, New Virginia, Brooklyn and Allen City. The mine was a complete failure—a tiny pocket of riches on the mountain. — Map (db m7002) |
| Arizona (Pima County), Tucson — First Municipal Airport in the United States — Arizona Historic Site |
| | This ground was the location
of the
First Municipal Airport
in the
United States
The Tucson city council approved the
financing for the airport, July 21, 1919
and
the city of Tucson in cooperation
with the Tucson chamber of commerce
established and constructed
the airport.
The first plane landed Nov. 20, 1919
Swede Myerhofer, Pilot — Map (db m8432) |
| Arizona (Yavapai County), Prescott — Bashford Block |
| | Originally this was the site of A.G. Dunn's Butcher Shop, which provided fresh locally grown beef from Dunn's ranch. This was followed by Hubbard's drug store which was later owned by W.W.Ross. The drug store was purchased by Harry Brisley in 1899. Brisley's carried a variety of medicines, medical supplies, prescription drugs, stationery, soap and perfumes. Their most popular item was the picture post card, first introduced to Prescott by Harry Brisley. After the fire of July 14, 1900, the . . . — Map (db m20292) |
| Arizona (Yavapai County), Prescott — City Park and Ballfield |
| | Since 1908, the area of Prescott now known as Ken Lindley Field has been used as a public park and ballfield. The land was deeded to the City of Prescott by Charles T. and Ada M. Joslin in 1922. As Mrs. Joslin requested, the City later donated part of the land to the Smoki People for their museum and pueblo and to the Arizona National Guard for the Armory, now the Prescott Activity Center.
In 1931, during the Great Depression, the grandstand was constructed as a City public works project . . . — Map (db m21161) |
| 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) |
| Arizona (Yavapai County), Prescott — Montezuma Street |
| | The one hundred block of South Montezuma Street has long been known as "Whiskey Row" for the numerous saloons which once lined the street. As Prescott poet Gail Gardner once wrote of "Whiskey Row":
"Oh they starts her in at the Kaintucky bar, At the head of Whiskey Row, And they winds up down by the Depot House, Some forth drinks below."
On July 14, 1900 this block was totally destroyed by fire. Within a few days of the fire, new construction was underway in brick and masonry. Most of . . . — Map (db m20622) |
| Arizona (Yavapai County), Prescott — Nob Hill — East Union Street |
| | Originally a part of the Capital Block, which was set aside in 1864 for a Territorial Capitol Building, the south half of the block was sold at auction. John Lawler, a miner, capitalist and real estate developer, bought the entire block and built a "double house" on the east end of the block. The Lawler House is unique because it is one structure containing two houses divided down the middle from front to back along the lot line. It is also very plain, with none of the typical features of the . . . — Map (db m20618) |
| Arizona (Yavapai County), Prescott — Prescott |
| | Prescott, Yavapai County Seat, founded 1864 on Granite Creek, source of Placer gold. Named for William Hickling Prescott, Historian, first Gov. JN. N. Goodwin, Appointee of Abraham Lincoln. Established first territorial capital of Arizona here. At Governor's Mansion, two blocks west, the first legislature met July 18, 1864. Site of first graded school in Arizona. Disastrous fire started by miner's candle destroyed four blocks about this square in 1900. — Map (db m18805) |
| Arizona (Yavapai County), Prescott — Prescott |
| |
Founded 1864 on Granite Creek, early source of placer gold. Former territorial capital of Arizona. Now a center for ranching, mining, health, especially asthma relief. Located here on site of old Ft. Whipple is Whipple Veterans Hospital. Seat of First Governor's Mansion, and Arizona Pioneer's Home. Frontier Days, oldest rodeo in the west, began here. — Map (db m20298) |
| Arizona (Yavapai County), Prescott — Ruffner Plaza Stables |
| | The Ruffner Plaza Stables were built on this lot purchased from Frank Murphy for $3,600. In May 1898, a local newspaper reported that it was "one of the most substantial as well as ornamental improvements which has been put up for several years. It is said to be one of the handsomest buildings of the kind in the Southwest and far ahead of any similar structure in Arizona." In February 1922, Ruffner sold the business to Dixon Fagerbert, who remodeled the building into a modern garage. The . . . — Map (db m20297) |
| Arizona (Yavapai County), Prescott — Whiskey Row — Historic Site |
| | By the early 1870s a full block of saloons, gambling halls and hotels made this the wildest part of town. Some of the saloons brewed their own beer and most drinks sold for 12½ (cents) each. On July 14, 1900 a disastrous fire swept the Row and destroyed four and a half blocks of the business district. The Row rebuilt quickly and still serves as a focal point of Prestott. — Map (db m21164) |
| Arkansas (Monroe County), Holly Grove — Beginning Point of the Louisiana Purchase Survey |
| | This stone marks the base established Nov.10,1815
from which the lands of the Louisiana Purchase were surveyed by the United States Engineers. The first survey from this point was made to satisfy the claims of the soldiers of the war of 1812 with land boundries. — Map (db m6037) |
| California (Alameda County), Fremont — 46 — Vallejo Flour Mill |
| | Site of flour mill, Niles, built 1853 by Don Jose De Vallejo, brother of General Vallejo, on his Rancho Arroyo De La Alameda. Niles was once called "Vallejo Mills". Stone aqueduct carrying water for mill parallels Niles Canyon Road. — Map (db m14801) |
| California (Alameda County), Livermore — 641 — Concannon Vineyards |
| | Here, in 1883, James Concannon founded the Concannon Vineyard. The quality it achieved in Sacramental and commercial wines helped establish Livermore Valley as one of America’s select wine growing districts. Grape cuttings from this vineyard were introduced to Mexico between 1889 and 1904 for the improvement of its commercial viticulture.
California Registered Historical
Landmark No. 641
Plaque placed by California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Livermore Chamber . . . — Map (db m19984) |
| California (Alameda County), Livermore — 586 — Cresta Blanca Winery |
| | Here, Charles A. Wetmore planted his vineyard in 1882. The Cresta Blanca wine he made from its fruit won for California the first international award. The highest honor at the 1889 Paris Exposition. First bringing assurance to California wine growers that they could grow wines comparable to the finest in the world.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 586
Plaque placed by California State Park Commission in cooperation with Livermore Chamber of Commerce, June 15, 1957. Rededicated by . . . — Map (db m19987) |
| California (Alameda County), Livermore — Joaquin Murrieta and Murrieta's Well |
| | The legend of Joaquin Murrieta is one of the most enduring and fascinating of chapters in California history. Facts, fiction and romantic tales entangle to create a legend of unique aura that had become part of California's folklore, especially in the Livermore Valley where Joaquin was a frequent visitor.
In the early 1850's Joaquin Murrieta roamed this land. Most famous as an avenging outlaw or a Robin Hood, Joaquin Murrieta and his men were above everything else horsemen, and of the best . . . — Map (db m17944) |
| California (Alameda County), Livermore — 241 — Robert Livermore — First Settler of Livermore Valley |
| | Born in England 1799 – Died Rancho Las Positas 1858; Arrived in Monterey 1822. Married Josepa Hicutera y Puentas 1830. Settled on Rancho Las Positas 1835.
“Next to the Mission Padres, he was the first man to engage himself in the culture of grapes, fruit and grain.”
The Livermore Hacienda was a short distance north of this spot.
Erected by the Los Positas Parlor No.95, Native Sons of the Golden West
Tablet Erected by the Historic Landmarks Committee, Native . . . — Map (db m19975) |
| California (Alameda County), Livermore — 957 — Wente Bros. Winery |
| | Here the first Wente Vineyards of 47 acres was established by C.H. Wente in 1883. In 1935 his sons, Ernest and Herman, introduced California’s first varietal wine label, Sauvignon Blanc. The efforts of the Wente family have helped to establish the Livermore Valley as one of the premier wine-growing areas of California. In their centennial year, Wente Bros. is the oldest continuously operating, family-owned winery in California.
California Registered Historical Landmark No.957
Plaque . . . — Map (db m19985) |
| California (Alameda County), Oakland — Preservation Park — An Overview |
| | Oakland in the late 19th century was a thriving waterfront city, the second largest in the state. A center of commerce and industry, it was also known for advanced notions of civic improvement. Public schools and academies, convenient transit, and an oak-studded, parklike landscape made Oakland a very desirable place to live.
Pictures of early Oakland neighborhoods are immensely appealing. Larger homes were set in sumptuous gardens, and even ordinary cottages are built along handsome . . . — Map (db m18771) |
| 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), Pleasanton — Kottinger’s Barn |
| | John W. Kottinger one of pioneer founders and first Justice of the Peace of Pleasanton constructed this adobe brick barn about 1852. So built that part of it could house prisoners brought to justice in his court. Thus serving as Pleasanton’s first jail.
Restored by Robert and Elaine Koopman
Dedicated this 11th day of September 1987
Grand Parlor Native Sons of the Golden West
Robert R. Souza Grand President
Plaque funded by James D. Phelan Trust — Map (db m24592) |
| California (Alameda County), Sunol — Sunol |
| | Named in honor of Antonio Maria Sunol, merchant, naval man and cattlebarron, who acquired a Spanish / Mexican land grant in 1840.
Along with the vast ranching and fertile farmlands, coal and gold were found in the Sunol area in the 1870’s.
Sunol became a typical western cattletown with the arrival of the railroad in 1869, and a favorite hangout for banditos.
It was rumored that when Joaquin Murrieta stayed here his horse stood on a bed of charcoal keeping the hooves warm for a . . . — Map (db m24495) |
| California (Alpine County), Bear Valley — Camp Tamarack |
| | For more than 80 years, the area was known as Onion Valley due to the profusion of wild onions growing here. It was mainly used as a summer stock range. In the late 1860-70’s a sawmill was operated by C. Brown. Later a man called “Turkey” Johnson came every summer with sheep, pigs, chickens and turkeys. Once, during an early snowstorm, the turkeys took to the pines and Johnson could not get them down.
Dave Filipini received the first land patent. Later he sold to Will & Chas. . . . — Map (db m11971) |
| California (Alpine County), Bear Valley — Reynold’s House — Point of Historical Interest |
| | About 200 yards offshore, in what was once Silver Valley lies the Reynold’s House. This house appears on an 1878 General Land Office map and was probably one of the many road houses along the route that catered to tourists and travelers. Reynold’s House was located near the crossroads of the Old Emigrant Trail (1849) and Big Trees-Carson Valley Road which replaced this section of the trail in 1866. Silver Valley was prematurely named in 1855 after a nearby “silver mine”. . . . — Map (db m10999) |
| California (Alpine County), Kirkwood — First Summit |
| | Below this ridge is what some pioneers dubbed the “Devils Ladder.” A name reflecting the steepness and extreme difficulty that pioneers experienced as they began their ascent over the Sierra Nevada. This climb was usually referred to as the “first summit” or “three quarter mountain.” It was called “three quarter mountain” because it was only three quarters of a mile from Red Lake to the summit.
A staging area was set up at the base of the . . . — Map (db m21284) |
| California (Alpine County), Kirkwood — Kit Carson |
| | On this spot, which marks the summit of the Kit Carson Pass stood what was known as the Kit Carson Tree on which the famous scout Kit Carson inscribed his name in 1844 when he guided the then Captain John C. Fremont, head of a government exploring expedition over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Above is a replica of the original inscription cut from the tree in 1888 and now is in Sutter’s Fort, Sacramento. — Map (db m12032) |
| California (Alpine County), Kirkwood — 378 — Memorial to Pioneer Odd Fellows |
| | At this point in August 1849, a group of Odd Fellows nearing their goal, the California gold mines,
paused in their struggle up these granite walls to
paint on this and adjacent boulders their names
and the three links of the Great Order
They so dearly loved.
Pioneers of California
Pioneers of the Brotherhood of Man
We Salute You. Your bodies have blended with the dust of the West. Your spirit lives and inspires.
Dedicated to their memory, by the Grand Lodge of California . . . — Map (db m21293) |
| California (Alpine County), Kirkwood — Naming of Carson Pass |
| | In February of 1844, John C. Fremont led a group of men over these mountains as they struggled to reach Sutter’s Fort. Little did they know that the pass, which lay 20 to 30 feet under the snow beneath them, would be a major route for the Gold Rush in just a few years. Kit Carson, for whom the pass eventually be named, was among the group. Payroll records show that he was hired as a hunter and Indian Fighter and that Thomas Fitzpatrick was the official guide for the expedition.
On this . . . — Map (db m21278) |
| California (Alpine County), Kirkwood — 661 — Old Emigrant Road |
| | Here the Old Emigrant Road of 1848 swung down across the meadow now covered by Caples Lake (Twin Lakes) and climbed along the ridge at the right to the gap at the head of the valley. From this summit (9,460 feet) it descended to Placerville. This rough and circuitous section became obsolete in 1863 when a better route was blasted out of the face of the cliff at Carson Spur.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 661
Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in . . . — Map (db m21274) |
| California (Alpine County), Kirkwood — Snowshoe Thom(p)son — (John Tostensen) — A True Pioneer |
| | “…there ought to be a shaft raised to Snow-Shoe Thompson: Not of marble; Not carved and not planted in the valley, but a rough shaft of basalt or of granite, massive and tall, with top ending roughly as if broken short, to represent a life which was strong and true to the last. And this should be upreared on the summit of the mountains over which the strong man wandered so many years, as an emblem of that life which was worn out apparently without an object…” Attributed to: Dan . . . — Map (db m12028) |
| 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 — Ebbetts Pass — Historical Landmark |
| | Named after Major John Ebbett and pointed out in 1853 to surveyor G.H. Goodard who referred to it as a “route of great promise – probably the best one for a transcontinental railway.”
No emigrant train used this route but a stage road was completed here in 1864 to serve mining region of Silver City. — Map (db m11444) |
| 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 (Alpine County), Markleeville — Markleeville General Store |
| | On August 2, 1885, fire broke out in the Town of Markleeville destroying several buildings, including Harvey and Rask’s Bucher Shop and Smokehouse. Later on in the Fall, the building was rebuilt and reopened as Rask’s Butcher Shop.
The building today, contains the original section plus additions, made in the 1890’s and 1950’s. The old cooler room, now referred to as the Antiques Room, has 12 inches of sawdust in its 14 inch walls for insulation.
In the early 1900’s it changed into a general . . . — Map (db m11963) |
| California (Alpine County), Markleeville — Reynolds Peak — Elevation 9300 Feet |
| | Named in memory of
G. ELMER REYNOLDS
Stockton, California
Conservationist and lover of nature — Map (db m11479) |
| California (Alpine County), Markleeville — Snowshoe Thompson |
| | This marks the home of John Albert Thompson (Snowshoe Thompson) great pioneer of the Sierras and hero of the mountains, who for twenty winters carried the mail over the deep snow of the mountains on his long skies: Giving help to those in need along the way.
Reverently Dedicated June 23, 1956
By the Society of E Clampus Vitus
James W. Marshall Post No.49 Officiating — Map (db m21302) |
| California (Alpine County), Markleeville — Snowshoe Thompson Home |
| | John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson (1827-1876) Native of Norway who carried mail across the Sierra Nevada on skis, assisting the needful for twenty years, dwelt and died on this site.
Dedicated on June 30, 1990
Native Sons of the Golden West
Joseph L. Neitzel
Grand President
Fund by James D. Pheland Trust — Map (db m21301) |
| California (Amador County), Amador City — Amador City Cemetery — Est. 1851 |
| | The first internment in the Amador City Cemetery was 1851 with the last being in 1892. There are many more graves than indicated by the marble headstones. Some graves were never marked and others utilized hand carved wooden markers. During the 1950’s period, the City hired a person to clear the cemetery of weeds and brush. Albeit this was pre-weed eaters, but the person opted for the more speedy method of clearing the cemetery by the use of fire. In the process, all the wooden markers were . . . — Map (db m17020) |
| California (Amador County), Drytown — 31 — Drytown |
| | Founded 1848. Oldest town and first in which gold was discovered in Amador County. Its venerable town hall and other picturesque structures remain. Was not "dry" as name implies, containing 26 saloons at one time. — Map (db m10406) |
| California (Amador County), Drytown — Drytown |
| | Rich placer mining, 1850’s. Origin of town’s name: Lack of water in nearby creek to wash gold. Many Chinese laborers in fields & mines. East gateway to New Chicago, New Philadelphia, Amador City; Quartz mines: Fremont-Gover & Treasure (1867), Bunker Hill (1853); Scene of Rancheria Massacre (1855); Dynan Monument. — Map (db m10408) |
| California (Amador County), Jackson — Archimandrite Sebastian Dabovich |
| | Very Reverend Archimandrite Sebastian Dabovich
The First Administrator of the Serbian Church In America – Born in San Francisco on June 21, 1863 – Died November 30, 1940 in the Monastery of Zitcha at the Age of Seventy-Seven. — Map (db m13966) |
| 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), Jackson — St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church |
| | St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church was erected in 1894. It is the first Serbian Orthodox church built in the U.S. Rev. Sebastian Dabovich, first Priest in this parish. Born in S.F. & reared in nearby Plymouth. Inspired his people in the early 1890’s & with help of many in California this house of worship became a reality. — Map (db m11514) |
| California (Amador County), Jackson — The Old Spring |
| | This monument marks the site of a spring that refreshed the early travelers into this region. So many bottles were found around this spring that some Chilean miners called the site "Bottileas" or place of the bottles, the first name by which the area of Jackson was known.
Dedicated by
James W. Marshall Chapter No.49
E Clampus Vitus
May 16, 1964 — Map (db m21371) |
| California (Amador County), Jackson — University of California Foothill Field Station — 1888 – 1903 |
| | The Foothill Station became the first University of California qualifying outlying station funded jointly by federal, state and local county sources in March 1888. The station was developed under the patronage of Senator A. Caminetti of Jackson. Over $5,000 was contributed by Amador County residents to clear the land, built irrigation systems, road, and buildings.
Land was selected by E. W. Hilgard, Professor of Agriculture and Director of Experiment Stations. Four and one half miles east of . . . — Map (db m13110) |
| California (Amador County), Kirkwood — Maiden's Grave |
| | Broken dreams and hope, carried 2000 miles through scorching deserts and over loft mountains. At last...the sight of the promise land. Those of you who visit this grave carry a torch of love and hope (which this young girl lost), and pass it on, to generations unborn.
Rechall Melton was laid to rest here, on a cold and frosty morning, Oct.4,1850. Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God. — Map (db m11983) |
| California (Amador County), Kit Carson — Plasse Resort — Since 1853 |
| | Raymond Peter Plasse arrived 1850 in San Francisco. Mined gold at Volcano & Aqueduct. In 1853 started a trading post (now site) on Emigrant Road near Wester’s Gap. & a log cabin (now used at Silver Lake. Traded supplies & fresh livestock with emigrants. Tourist resort built circa 1900 by Raymond’s children. His grandson’s operated cattle business to 1977 and resort to 1979.
Maurice John Passe Family
Amador County Board of Supervisors
In Amador County’s
125th Anniversary Year, 1979 — Map (db m21249) |
| California (Amador County), Kit Carson — 338 — Tragedy Spring — No 338 — Erected 1967 |
| | This campsite on the Kit Carson Emigrant Trail was a resting place for California settlers. It was named by members of the Mormon Battalion enroute to Salt Lake Valley. Three of their men, serving as advance trail scouts, were murdered here by unknown persons June 27, 1848. Battalion friends, arriving a few days later, buried them in a common grave and carved their names (Henderson Cox, Ezra Allen, Daniel Browett) on a nearby tree, thus preserving the grave’s location. — Map (db m21273) |
| California (Amador County), Plymouth — City of Plymouth |
| | Was a mining camp about 1852. Plymouth proper began with quartz mining when settled early by Green Aden & other hard rock miners. Town was named Plymouth, probably after nearby Plymouth Mine. Post Office established 1871. Many town fires, most destructive in 1877. Incorporated 1917. It prospered through mining, trading center & local farming. Mining claims located 1852, merged 1883 into Plymouth Consolidated Mine. Deepest shaft, 4,450 feet. Produced over 13,500,000 dollars & closed 1947. First . . . — Map (db m10416) |
| 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 — 1854 · Amador County · 1954 |
| | Amador County, carved from Calaveras and El Dorado, was organized July 3, 1854, at the crossroads of Sutter Hill.
Act of Legislature, May 11, 1854, set June 17, 1854, as election date for people to vote on such a division, and appointed five organization commissioners:
W.L. McKimm, Chairman; E.W. Gemmill; A.J. Sneath; A.Boileau; and A. Platt, Secretary.
They transacted business at Tucker’s Ranch as follows:
1. Established election precincts;
2. Set July 17, 1854, as election . . . — Map (db m11222) |
| 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 — Sutter Creek United Methodist Church |
| | In 1861 under leadership of Rev. I.B. Fish this church was built . Trustees incorporated the church as the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1862. Between 1863 and 1867 the Ladies Aid Society gave $1,300 for the back room addition. The steeple was added in 1976. — Map (db m13684) |
| California (Amador County), Sutter Creek — Sutter Creek’s First Fire Bell |
| | Within the bell
The following is inscribed
"Hung by G. Chisholm, Dan Ramazzotti
Oct. 18, 1907
Director – F. N. Soracco, F. Warner
E. Deacon – Sutter Creek Fire Co.
Cast by A. Fulton’s Son and Company
Pittsburg, PA.
Ordered by Wm. M. Tucker,” — Map (db m13402) |
| California (Amador County), Sutter Creek — To Remember the Men of Amador County Who Died in The World War |
| | [There are four markers mounted on the monument; one each for World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The first three are mounted on the north side and the fourth is mounted on the south side of monument]
[World War I]
To Remember
THE MEN OF AMADOR COUNTY
Who Died in the World War
Left Column:
G. Bulaich, J.A. Cuneo, F.S. Ferrari, E.L. Flitcraft, E.F. Forbes, L. Griesback, P.W. Hamm, J.R. Hyland, A. Kretcher, G. Koprivica
Right Column:
R.E. Noce, . . . — Map (db m13421) |
| 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 — Soldier Gulch |
| | This plaque is in commemoration of two soldiers of a party from Stevenson’s New York Regiment who discovered Volcano Valley in late 1848 and camped here in Soldier Gulch through a hard winter. Their bodies were discovered in the spring and buried somewhere here by a party of Mexicans.
May these pioneer miners rest in peace. — Map (db m11364) |
| California (Amador County), Volcano — St. George Hotel |
| | This property has been placed on the
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
by the United States Department of the Interior — Map (db m11785) |
| 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 — 770 — Chinese Temple |
| | Dedicated in the spring of 1863, this building served as a temple of worship for 10,000 Chinese then living here. Funds for its erection and furnishings were provided by the Emperor and Empress of China and local Chinese labor built the structure. The building was deeded to the City of Oroville in 1935 by the Chinese residents. — Map (db m17727) |
| 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 — 274 — Carson Hill |
| | Gold discovered in creek just below town by James H. Carson in 1848, whose name was given to creek, hill and town. In November, 1854, at Morgan Mine, was found the largest gold nugget in California, weighing 195 pounds troy, worth at that time $43,000.
[The James H. Carson marker is below that shown in the picture. Please see other nearby markers for more information] — Map (db m6848) |
| 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), Angels Camp — Mark Twain |
| | In Memory Of
MARK TWAIN
Who found inspiration here for his inspirational story--
“The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”
ANGELS CAMP
1865 — Map (db m13006) |
| California (Calaveras County), Angels Camp — 276 — Robinson's Ferry |
| | In 1848 John W. Robinson and Stephen Mead established ferry transport for freight, animals and persons across river. In 1856 Harvey Wood purchased interest and later acquired property which was maintained by Wood family until 1911. Charges were 50 cents for each passenger, horse, jenny or other animal. — Map (db m6845) |
| 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), Campo Seco — 257 — Campo Seco |
| | Settled in 1849 by Mexicans who worked placers in Oregon Gulch. Rich copper deposits discovered in 1859. The largest living cork oak tree in California was planted here in 1858. Ruins of Adams Express Building still standing. — Map (db m10629) |
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