Volcano in Amador County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Volcano

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 23, 2006

1. Volcano Marker

Inscription. 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 memories, this birthplace of General Liversedge, whose Marines raised our flag in Iwo Jima, honors its heroes with annual pageantry in Soldiers Gulch.

Erected 1948 by Amador County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Industry & Commerce • Landmarks • Natural Resources • Notable Events • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 38° 26.556′ N, 120° 37.882′ W. Marker is in Volcano, California, in Amador County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Consolation Street, on the left when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Volcano CA 95689, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Soldier Gulch (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Volcano (here, next to this marker); Astronomical Observatory (a few steps from this marker); Carlo Andrea Dondero (within shouting distance of this marker); The Thomas Starr King Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Bavarian Brewery (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); General Store (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Volcano.

Also see . . .
1. Ghost Towns - Volcano. (Submitted on September 11, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. Harry Bluett Liversedge, Brigadier General, United States Marine Corps. Born in Volcano, California, on September 21, 1894... (Submitted on September 11, 2008.)

Additional commentary.
1. "Old Abe"
Old Abe is a rather rare Model 1835 6-pounder Bronze Field gun. Produced in 1837 by Cyrus Alger & Co., Boston, Mass. The gun weighed 737 pounds. It's registry number is "4". Of the 56 Model 1835 produced from 1836 to 1838, there are 17 cataloged survivors. The Model 1835 was further refined into the more widely produced Model 1841, which was used widely at the

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 23, 2006

2. Volcano Marker

beginning of the Civil War.

— Submitted September 11, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 23, 2006

3. Volcano Marker

To the right of the marker is the Volcano California Historical Landmark marker and the Volcano Gulch - E Clampus Vitus marker

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 23, 2006

4. Main Street

Town Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 23, 2006

5. Town Building

Photographed By Syd Whittle

6. "Old Abe"

Sign on building that houses "Old Abe" reads:
Union Square: Named to commemorate an event during Civil War days when the Unionist "Volcano Blues" confronted the Confederate "Knights of the Golden Circle" on this spot. With the help of the cannon, "Old Abe" the "Blues" effected a decisive victory over the "Knights."
P.S. The story goes that the enthusiastic "Blues" had overcharged the weapon. It would have exploded had it actually been fired.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,549 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 11, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on September 7, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.