| 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 — Duarte Garage — Built 1915 |
| |
Service Station and Car Dealership
Situated on the Original Route
of the Lincoln Highway
————————
City of Livermore
Historic Preservation Site
Dedicated July 1996
Operated by
The Livermore Heritage Guild — Map (db m19994) |
| California (Alameda County), Livermore — Livermore Southern Pacific Depot |
| | This railroad station having been located about half a mile west of the old town of Laddsville, on land owned by Wm. M. Mendenhall. Established the location of the town Livermore. The first depot was a freight car that was soon replaced by a building. In 1891 this building burned, and by August 1892 a combination passenger and freight depot was built.
Dedicated April 13, 1991
by Joaquin Murrieta Chapter 13
E Clampus Vitus — Map (db m19993) |
| California (Alameda County), Livermore — Livermore Town Hall Jail and Firehouse |
| |
[Upper Marker:]
Built 1875, this building was first a hotel then the Livermore Valley Bank. It was the Livermore Town Hall from 1905 to 1957. The jail was in the rear, and to the left the firehouse. It was here a light bulb was lit and continues to burn to this day.
Dedicated by
Joaquin Murrieta Chapter 13
E Clampus Vitus
October 5, 1985
[Lower Marker:]
Old City Hall
and Firehouse
Built 1882
On this site:
Wooden Boarding House, c.1874
Bank of . . . — Map (db m19982) |
| 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 — Sister City Program |
| |
“The Sister City Program is an important resource to the negotiations of
governments in letting the people themselves give expression of their common desire for friendship, goodwill and cooperation for a better world for all”
President Dwight D. Eisenhower (circa 1956)
On Monday, August 23, 1999, the City of Livermore’s City Council dedicated
Sister City Park as a gesture of friendship and goodwill to its sister cities.
“The flags from our sister cities . . . — Map (db m19970) |
| California (Alameda County), Livermore — Tolliver Airship |
| | Eight miles southwest of this location, in the Spring of 1904, Charles Tolliver built an airship.
With an aluminum superstructure covered with 6,000 yards of rongee silk, the craft was to be 250 feet long, 40 feet wide and 44 feet high. Four gasoline powered engines and six propellers - two on each side, one in the front, one rear. There was no need for rudders with this type of construction.
Mrs. Phoebe Hearst was the main financial backer, contributing 72,000 dollars to the project. . . . — Map (db m19968) |
| 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), Livermore — William M. Mendenhall 1823 – 1911 / DeAnza Expedition Campsite |
| | [Located at the Livermore Civic Center is a two-sided monument. Side 1 is a marker dedicated to William M. Mendenhall, founder of the town of Livermore. Side 2 is a marker marking this site as a campsite of the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition of 1975 -76]
[Side 1:]
William M. Mendenhall
1823 – 1911
Pioneer settler, a descendant of Quakers who emigrated from England with William Penn. He crossed the plains on horseback in 1845. Was a member of Fremont’s . . . — Map (db m19981) |
| California (Alameda County), Niles — “The Bankers Building” — A Fremont Bank Building |
| |
This building was originally constructed as the Niles Branch of the Bank of Alameda County. Its doors opened on Monday, September 23, 1929. The construction was considered a “new modern building” that would be “a model of banking efficiency.”
Great pride was taken in selecting the materials. The bricks, made of mulberry clay, were fabricated in San Francisco. The interior designers would “endeavor to make this bank the most striking in this township.” . . . — Map (db m24455) |
| California (Alameda County), Niles — Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad — Niles, California |
| | “May God continue the unity of our country as this railroad unites the two great oceans of the world.” The gold spike ceremony at Promontory, Utah in May of 1869 united the tracks of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads. However the trails did not span the United States from ocean to ocean until some months later. In September the final link between San Francisco and Sacramento was completed near the Flour Mill of Jesus Vallejo, a short distance east of this location. — Map (db m24473) |
| California (Alameda County), Pleasanton — 510 — Alviso Adobe — Alviso Adobe Community Park |
| | Built in 1854, the Alviso Adobe is one of the few adobe structures remaining in the Bay Area. Declared a California Historic Landmark in 1954, the building stands relatively unmodified since the 1920s.
The adobe was in continuous use from 1854 until the Meadowlark Dairy closed in 1969. During the dairy period, workers took their meals in the kitchen and dining room of this building. — Map (db m24616) |
| 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 — J. W. Kottinger’s Barn — Pleasanton Heritage Site - 1852 |
| | John W. Kottinger (1819 – 1892) was Murray Township Justice of the Peace from 1853 to 1870. His home was the Seat of Justice for the township; The northwest corner of this adobe barn was used to jail prisoners. A frequent visitor was Joaquin Murrieta. On one occasion he was distracted by Mrs. Kottinger’s bountiful table, thus allowing Kottinger to make a hasty trip to a San Francisco bank. The bandit was deprived of the pleasure of relieving Kottinger of a large gold deposit. — Map (db m24507) |
| 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), Pleasanton — Meadowlark Dairy - The Dairy Silo — Alviso Adobe Community Park |
| | At roughly 45 feet high, the Meadowlark Dairy silo was a distinctive visual landmark. This circular paving marks the silo’s approximate location. The original silo and barn were much larger. Silage, fodder for animals, is created by partially fermenting agricultural products, such as corn stalks, to enhance their nutritional value and preserves them for winter feed. — Map (db m24663) |
| California (Alameda County), Pleasanton — Meadowlark Dairy – Dairy Bunkhouse — Alviso Adobe Community Park |
| | There were once many buildings on the Meadowlark Dairy complex. One important building was a place for the ranch hands and workers to sleep and socialize. This bunkhouse is a smaller version of the one that was at the dairy. The current Foothill Road runs through the original location of the building. — Map (db m24665) |
| California (Alameda County), Pleasanton — Meadowlark Dairy – Dairy Manager’s House — Alviso Adobe Community Park |
| | These low boundary walls show the approximate location of the Meadowlark Dairy manager’s house. The dairy manager played an important role in day-to-day operations. His house had a kitchen, living room, office and bedrooms. A half-cellar under the northeast corner of the house was used for canning and as a laundry for the white dairy uniforms. — Map (db m24671) |
| California (Alameda County), Pleasanton — The Pleasanton Hotel |
| | In 1864, five years before the first railroad arrived in Pleasanton, John W. Kottinger demonstrated his faith in Pleasanton”s future by building the communities first hotel, The Farmer’s Hotel.
The building was purchased by Henry in 1891 and burned to the ground on Mar. 18, 1898, and re-built.
At one time the hotel was called the Riverside Hotel.
After a minor fire in 1915, the structure was renovated and re-named the Pleasanton Hotel.
Dedicated September 10, 1988
By the . . . — Map (db m24607) |
| California (Alameda County), Sunol — Niles Canyon Railway |
| | In 1869, the first Transcontinental Railroad passed this spot on its way to the shore of the San Francisco Bay. In 1984 the Southern Pacific Railroad abandoned this historic line between Niles and Tracy, California.
Volunteers of the Pacific Locomotive Association have rebuilt the portion of the line between Sunol and Niles, so that future generations may enjoy a ride over this important link in America’s Railroad heritage.
Dedicated to commemorate the one hundred and
twenty-fifth . . . — Map (db m24489) |
| 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 (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), Bear Valley — Bedrock Mortars — Point of Historical Interest |
| | Bedrock mortars were made by Native California Women. The cup shapes were worn smooth by repeated pounding and grinding for use in processing food. Both the Washoe and Miwuk Tribes traversed and summered in this high Central Sierra Region. Although there is a man-made lake here today, we can still get a sense of what life was like by the clues these early travelers left behind. — Map (db m10998) |
| 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 — Harry Schimke — Pioneer in His Own Time — 1917 – 1995 |
| | Through his life’s dreams and efforts. Thousands enjoy skiing, good water, scenic meadows and preservation of Bear Valley’s natural beauty.
In Appreciation — Map (db m10965) |
| California (Alpine County), Bear Valley — Old Emigrant Road |
| | This Sierra Crossing used by Jedediah Smith 1821 - Major John Ebbetts 1850 - Snowshoe Thompson 1856-76 - Gold Seekers 1850's. Old road left Carson Pass Road in Hope Valley, crossed Border Ruffian Pass to Hermit Valley, Pacific Summit and through Bear Valley to Big Trees. Big Trees Carson Valley Turnpike Co. built toll road over Ebbetts Pass to Silver Mountain in 1860's. Harvey Blood collected tolls at this point from 1864-1910. — Map (db m10730) |
| 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 — Kirkwood's |
| | This building has been the pioneer home of the Kirkwood and Taylor families since it was built by Zachary Kirkwood in 1864. This building was one of the first resorts operated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. — Map (db m10985) |
| 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 — Alpine Hotel |
| | Originally built in 1862 as the Fiske House in Silver Mountain City. It was dismantled, board by board, in 1886 by A.M. Grover and a crew of men. Each board was marked and many of the old square nails were saved. It was re-erected on this site and named the “Hot Springs Hotel”. In 1900 it was once again renamed, this time as the “Alpine Hotel” which it has carried to this day.
Dedicated September 16, 1972.
Snow-Shoe Thompson Chapter No. 1827
E Clampus Vitus — Map (db m20631) |
| 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 — Hermit Valley — Historical Landmark |
| | In 1856 a road was completed following the present sign route 4 from Murphys to this point, and thence northward via Faith and Charity Valleys to Hope Valley where it joined the Carson Pass Road. This connection was used by emigrants in 1856 and 1857. Remnants of the route are still visable to the north of this sign and along State Route 4 to the west. — Map (db m10316) |
| 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), Amador City — Original Amador Mine |
| | Opened in 1852 from six claims. Renamed Original Amador Consolidated working till 1918. Reopened in 1935 till 1937. Shaft reached 1238’. Total production was $3,500,000. — Map (db m10329) |
| 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), Drytown — Early Day Butcher Shop |
| | One of Amador County's oldest buildings. Marble floor hauled by mule-team from Fiddletown quarry. — Map (db m10471) |
| California (Amador County), Ione — Buena Vista Store |
| | Buena Vista's store and house situated in Jackson Valley, was built by John Fitzsimmons, then sold to Sam Cook, then to James Norris and afterwards to Jacob and Verona Strohm. Once situated in Lancha Plana it was moved by the Chinese who discovered gold beneath its foundation. A bargain was made that it be moved six miles to Buena Vista. The Chinese and Sam Cook rebuilt it on this site. Its roof is supported by rafters made of Georgia Pine brought "round the horn." Built in 1850, it is one of Amador County's oldest landmarks. — Map (db m10189) |
| California (Amador County), Ione — 506 — Methodist Episcopal Church |
| | The cornerstone was laid in 1862, constructed of locally fired brick. The church was completed in 1866. Dedicated as “Ione City Centenary Church” and later popularly known as the “Cathedral of the Mother Lode.” The church was the first to serve the religious needs of the people in the area. California Registered Historical Landmark No.506 — Map (db m10390) |
| 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 — Jackson Fire Bell |
| |
This trusty bell served Jackson
faithfully for over 70 years.
Located in tower near courthouse.
Warning of fire or other peril.
Dedicated July 8, 1989 by
Amador County Historical Society
and
Excelsior Parlor No. 31 N.S.G.W.
Andrew A. Quaglia, Grand President — Map (db m19750) |
| 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 — 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 — Plasse’s Trading Post |
| | Founded by Raymond Peter Plasse in 1853. It was a stopping place for emmigrants on the Carson Pass Trail on the route to California gold field.
Dedicated by the
James W. Marshall Chapter
Of E. Clampus Vitus
September 15, 1984 — Map (db m21261) |
| 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), Plymouth — Shenandoah School — 1879 |
| | This bell called the children of Shenandoah Valley to school. The school district was first named Williams after the family with the most children, then changed to Shenandoah in 1916. In 1952 with the creation of the Oro Madre School District children attended school in Plymouth. The schoolhouse became home to the community center. — Map (db m10350) |
| California (Amador County), Plymouth — Shenandoah Valley — Since 1852 |
| | Dedicated to the early Shenandoah Valley pioneers & their descendants. They mined gold & produced grain, livestock, orchards & vineyards in these rolling hills. Nearby are the old school, used for 100 years, and now a social center, and the cemetery begun circa 1852. The new settlers continue the agriculture tradition. — Map (db m10639) |
| 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 — 1007 — Knight Foundry |
| | Knight Foundry was established in 1873 to supply heavy equipment and repair facilities to the gold mines and timber industry of the Mother Lode. Samuel N. Knight developed a high speed, cast iron water wheel which was a forerunner of the Pelton Wheel design. Knight Wheels were used in some of the first hydroelectric plants in California, Utah, and Oregon.
This site is the last water powered foundry and machine shop in California. A 42 inch Knight Wheel drives the main line shaft, with smaller water motors powering other machines. — Map (db m10415) |
| 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 (Butte County), Oroville — Oroville Masonic Temple |
| | SESQUICENTENNIAL TESTAMENT
On the 8th day of May
In the year 2006
AL 6006
Oroville Lodge No. 103 F.&A.M.
In the State of California
Did celebrate 150 years
In Oroville, California
Dispensation: April 4, 1856
Chartered: May 8, 1856 — Map (db m17781) |
| California (Butte County), Oroville — 809 — The Last Yahi Indian |
| | For thousands of years the Yahi Indians roamed the foothills between Mt. Lassen and the Sacramento Valley. Settlement of this region by the White Man brought death to the Yahi by gun, by disease, and by hunger. By the turn of the century only a few remained. Ishi, the last known survivor of these people, was discovered at this site in 1911. His death in 1916 brought an end to stone age California. — Map (db m17743) |
| 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), Altaville — 499 — Altaville Grammar School |
| | This brick building, erected in 1858 with funds raised by a dance in the Billiard Saloon of the N.R. Prince Building (which still stands), is one of the oldest schools of California. Used as a school until 1950, it was then replaced by the present Mark Twain Elementary School in Altaville. — Map (db m10143) |
| California (Calaveras County), Altaville — 735 — Prince-Garibardi Building |
| | This structure was erected in 1852 by B. R. Prince and G. Garibardi for a general merchandise business. Improved in 1857 with living quarters on the second floor, it is still used for living and warehouse purposes. — Map (db m11047) |
| California (Calaveras County), Angels Camp — A. Brosemer Building — 1889 |
| | . . . — Map (db m19326) |
| 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 — Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building — 1887 |
| | Home of
Hope Lodge No. 33
Est. 1854
Gold Quartz Rebekah No. 219
Est. 1896
Calaveras Encampment No. 18
Est. 1859
Ladies Encampment No. 18
Est. 1950
Princess Parlor No. 84
Native Daughters of the Golden West
Est. 1895 — Map (db m19325) |
| 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 — Veterans Memorial Hall |
| |
Dedicated to the memory of the men and women who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the United States of America.
February 25, 1967 — Map (db m19333) |
| California (Calaveras County), Avery — Avery Hotel — Formerly Half-Way House |
| | Hotel and stagecoach relay station, halfway between Murphys and Big Trees. Settled in the 1850’s by Joseph and Sarah Goodell. Purchased by Peter Avery, then operated by three generations of Averys - Peter and Nancy, George and Henrietta and Morton and Louise. Overnight stops for logging, freight teams and stockmen with herds to and from summer ranges. Later a resort for guests, hunting and fishing parties. — Map (db m10615) |
| California (Calaveras County), Avery — The Avery Hotel |
| | The oldest continuously operated hotel in Calaveras County, it was built as a family home in 1851 by Joseph and Sarah Goodell of Maine. The Goodells later relocated to Stockton. In 1853 Peter and Nancy Avery, also of Maine, began operating it as a hotel. Famous guests have included Alfalfa of “Our Gang” fame and such western legions as Black Bart and Roy Rogers. Owners and guests have reliably reported that the benign spirits of a late 19th century sea captain and a locally revered . . . — Map (db m20626) |
| 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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