| 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) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — American House Hotel — Site of |
| | Located on this corner in 1853 was a sturdy, well proportioned 2-story hotel known as the American House. The proprietors, Marchant and Crocker, were proud of their hotel with its healthful location on “Piety Hill” opposite the Court H House. This hotel was family-orientated, orderly and quiet, with no gambling allowed. Surrounding the hotel were extensive grounds with orchards, gardens, and rows of ornamental trees. In the rear was an extensive stable and wagon yard for use of the quests. — Map (db m17161) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Beer Garden |
| | This beer garden, a recent addition to Coloma, was built by Jim Bridgham in the mid 1950s. Jim and his sister Margaret operated a business called the “Hitching Rack” and built the beer garden so the “locals” could sit around, drink a few beers, and discuss the world situation. Today the site is used as a group picnic area, available by reservation. — Map (db m17429) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Bekeart’s Gun Shop |
| | Jules Francois Bekeart was a gunsmith who came here in 1849 to mine gold and soon became a close friend of James Marshall. The hard labor of gold mining was not to his liking, so “Frank” Berkeart started a highly successful gunsmith business in a wood-frame and canvas building near this site. This brick building was constructed in 1852 after the wood building burned. It is thought to be Coloma’s oldest structure. — Map (db m17225) HM |
| 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) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Capt. William E. Shannon |
| | First Alcade of Coloma
Delegate from this area to First
State Constitutional Convention Convention
at Monterey. September 1849 — Map (db m17467) HM |
| 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) HM |
| 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) HM |
| 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) HM |
| 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) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Coloma Greys |
| | This building, perhaps originally a livery stable, was the armory for the Coloma Greys, a local volunteer militia company. After the Greys disbanded in 1862, the building was used as a carriage house by Elias Weller, who lived in the large white house to your left. — Map (db m17222) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Coloma Post Office |
| | Coloma’s first post office opened in 1849 when, against his wishes, John T. Little was appointed postmaster. In 1851 Coloma received tri-weekly mail service from Sacramento City. The post office, first designated as Culloma, California Territory, was changed to Coloma in January 1851. This tiny building, constructed in the early 1930s, was perhaps the sixth structure in town to house the post office. The seventh post office was opened across the street in 1949. — Map (db m17180) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Coloma Schoolhouse |
| | In 1885 Coloma’s three private school schools enrolled 187 pupils; two years later one large public school held 234 children. That school was housed in the original El Dorado County Courthouse on this site. The courthouse burned in 1915, and this school building was moved here from Slatington, near Kelsy.
The second schoolhouse was restored in 1995 through the efforts of Park staff, the Gold Discovery Park Association and El Dorado County citizens. — Map (db m17129) HM |
| 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) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Coloma’s Law Offices — Site of |
| | In the 1850s, the law offices of Thomas Robertson and the firm of Sanderson and Hews were at this site. The town alcalde also had his office here. Borrowed from Mexican government, the position of alcalde combined the roles of mayor, justice of the peace, and as needed, sheriff. — Map (db m17572) HM |
| 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) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — County Courthouse — Site of |
| | When El Dorado County was organized in 1850 as part of the new State of California, Coloma was named the county seat. County offices were housed in simple frame structures until 1856, when a fine court house was built here on the public square. However, by this time placer Gold mining in Coloma was declining and the town population fell rapidly. One year later the county seat was moved to Placerville. The Court House, a large two story structure, was used afterwards as a school and a Masonic . . . — Map (db m17141) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Dukehart’s Barbershop and Bathhouse — Site of |
| | In the 1850s a black man known only as “Dukehart” operated a barbershop that straddled the creek at this location. Typical of many barbershops of this period, Dukehart’s establishment also provided hot baths for his customers. The water was carried through a trough or pipe into the building and heated. Then the water was poured over the bather, and the used water returned to the creek. — Map (db m17166) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — El Dorado County Jails |
| | Coloma’s first jail was made of logs and was located around the corner on High Street. The second jail, built in 1855, quickly proved to be too small, and this stone-block prison was erected. It was used from 1857 until 1862. The metal cell that stands nearby came from the county courthouse in Placerville. — Map (db m12228) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Emmanuel Church |
| | Built in 1855, this is the oldest Episcopal church building in the state. It was later purchased and used by the Methodists. James Marshall's funeral services were held here in 1885. The Church remains a popular site for weddings. Contact the Park office for reservations and information. — Map (db m53184) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — James W. Marshall — 1810 - 1885 |
| | Erected by the State of California
in memory of
James W. Marshall
1810 - 1885
Whose discovery of gold
January 24, 1848
in the tailrace of Sutter’s Mill at Coloma
started the great rush of Argonauts. — Map (db m10490) HM |
| 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) HM |
| 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 m39013) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Kane House |
| | Tom Kane was born in Coloma of Irish parents. He built this house for his bride, Julia, in 1886. He died 5 years later, and Julia lived here for many years afterward. In 1934 Ralph Hikens owned the house and operated a store and post office in one room. — Map (db m17168) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Metropolitan Saloon and Bowling Alley — Site of |
| | At this site was one of California’s first bowling alleys. It was actually three buildings, with single-lane bowling alleys in each of the side buildings. The establishment, also known as the Metropolitan Saloon and Sporting Hall, featured gambling and related activities. In 1860, the largest building, which fronted on Main Street, housed the exhibits for the El Dorado County Fair. — Map (db m17598) HM |
| 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) HM |
| 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) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Monroe Family Homestead |
| | The home of the pioneer Monroe family stood here for more than a century. The family matriarch, Nancy Gooch, came across the plains from Missouri as a slave in 1849. She gained her freedom in 1850 when California joined the Union as a “free” state. Later, she bought the freedom of her son, Andrew Monroe and his family, who joined her in Coloma.
Begun as a cabin, the home was enlarged as the family grew. Andrew and his son Pearley raised fruit and other crops. Their 80 acres of . . . — Map (db m17455) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Monroe House |
| | Perly Monroe was the grandson of Peter and Nancy Gooch, who were freed from slavery here when California became a state in 1850. The Monroe family became successful fruit farmers and prominent property holders in Coloma. Built in 1925, this house is tangible evidence of their success. The Monroe orchard, located elsewhere in the park, still produces pears and apples. — Map (db m17205) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Mormon Cabin — Replica |
| | Members of the “Mormon Battalion,” returning from the war with Mexico, were enlisted by Sutter and Marshall to help construct Sutter’s Mill.
The Mormon members of the sawmill crew built a cabin near the mill during the winter of 1847. Earlier they had shared a cabin with the Wimmer family, but they became discontented with Mrs. Wimmer, the camp cook. They decided to built their own cabin and cook for themselves.
Henry Bigler, Azariah Smith. William Johnstun, Alexander . . . — Map (db m12158) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Odd Fellows Hall |
| | Built in 1854 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, this hall was also shared with religious organizations of the Coloma community. The I.O.O.F. was only one of the many fraternal lodges that were active during the 1850s in Coloma and in most mining towns. Today, Coloma Lodge No.27, is the second oldest Odd Fellows lodge operating in El Dorado County. Rebekah Lodge No.114 shares in the operation of the hall for community events and weekly meetings. — Map (db m17143) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Papini House |
| | This home is located near the site of an 1853-1864 bakery and confectionery store and owned and operated by Luther Davis. The impressive Davis home was located on the hill, some 100 feet behind the bakery. Both were dismantled after 1885. This structure was built after 1891 as a home for Davis’ granddaughter, Dorcus Hooper Papini, and her husband, Joseph Papini. It is believed that materials from the original bakery building were used to construct it. The Papinis lived on this site until 1903. The residence was then used as a rental. — Map (db m17164) HM |
| 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) HM |
| 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) HM |
| 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) HM |
| 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) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Schulze House |
| | This house was built in 1916 by Charles Schulze for his daughter Daisy, who visited Coloma occasionally. Schulze had been a miner, blacksmith, teamster and mason. In 1886 he fell heir to the Sierra Nevada House and became a hotelkeeper. He died in 1921. After Daisy Schulze’s death, this house was used as a residence by her heirs. — Map (db m17170) HM |
| 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) HM |
| 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) HM |
| 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) HM |
| 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) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — 530 — Sutter’s Mill Site |
| | This rock monument marks site of John A. Sutter's saw mill in the tailrace of which James W. Marshall discovered gold, January 24, 1848, starting the great rush of argonauts to California. The Society of California Pioneers definitely located and marked site in 1924. Additional timbers and relics, including original tailrace unearthed in 1947, were discovered after property became state park. Marshall Monument overlooking this spot was erected following movement inaugurated in 1886 by Native . . . — Map (db m39015) HM |
| 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) HM |
| 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) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Weller House |
| | Probably the first structure on this site was Littner’s Exchange, which was later purchased and remodeled by the Bramer brothers. They operated the Orleans Hotel, Restaurant and Oyster Saloon until 1856 when Elias Weller bought the property and converted it to his residence. Portions of the old Orleans Hotel may still be left at the Weller house. — Map (db m17176) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Weller’s Store — Site of |
| | Like many ‘49ers, Samuel and Elias Weller soon quit mining and turned to less exhausting work. The Weller brothers operated two stores in town; one was primarily a tin shop. The brick buildings were called Coloma’s first fireproof structures. Their first store was known as “The Old Stand” with the “Sign of the large Coffee Pot.” Both of the Weller’s Stores supplied the town with hardware, firearms, and cooking utensils. By 1855 the Wellers had added stoves, furniture, . . . — Map (db m17355) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Wintermantel’s Miner’s Hotel — Site of |
| | A large pentagon-shaped structure was built here in 1849. In 1850 it became the Roger’s Hotel, one of Coloma’s first major hotels. Ownership changed hands several times until 1852 when it became known as Wintermantel’s Miner's Hotel. A sign on the balcony advertised in three languages:
Miner’s Hotel
Deuches Gasthaus
Pensionate Francaise
Wintermantel moved his Miner’s Hotel further south on Main Street in 1861. The fate of the original structure here is unknown. — Map (db m15673) HM |
| California (El Dorado County), Coloma — Winters’ Hotel — Site of |
| | The Winters’ Hotel was the most ornate building in town. It was one of the earliest hotels here and the best known. A forty-niner later described it as “the hotel par excellence of the town; one could easily perceive that by its long white colonnade in front, and its too numerous windows in the upper story. A large saloon occupied the whole front of the building.” In 1850 the Winters’ was known as a gambling hotel, and later it became the stagecoach stop for the community. — Map (db m17221) HM |
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