Newhall near Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Oak of the Golden Dream
Photographed By Craig Baker
1. Oak of the Golden Dream Marker
Francisco Lopez made California’s first authenticated gold discovery on March 9, 1842. While gathering wild onions near an oak tree in Placerita Canyon he found gold particles clinging to the roots of the bulbs. The San Fernando placers and nearby San Feliciano Canyon were worked by Sonoran miners using panning, sluicing and dry washing methods. Lopez’s find predated James Marshall’s strike at Sutter’s Mill by six years.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 168.
First registered March 6, 1935. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society and Platrix Chapter No. 2 E Clampus Vitus, November 15, 1992.
Erected 1992 by State Dept. of Parks and Recreation, Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society, and Platrix Chapter No. 2 E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 168.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Landmarks • Natural Resources • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is March 9, 1942.
Location. 34° 22.62′ N, 118° 28.279′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Oak of the Golden Dream (a few steps from this marker); Oil in Placerita Canyon (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Walker Cabin (about 800 feet away); a different marker also named Oak of the Golden Dream (approx. 1.2 miles away); White Oil Seep (approx. 1.3 miles away); Walker Ranch (approx. 1½ miles away); Last Horse Drawn Hearse of Los Angeles County (approx. 2.3 miles away); Eternal Valley (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Clarita.
Also see . . . Trail Map and Parking. (Submitted on August 5, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.)
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 19, 2009
2. Oak of the Golden Dream Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 19, 2009
3. Oak of the Golden Dream
Tunnel in background is on the Heritage Trail under Placerita Cyn Rd.
Photographed By Craig Baker, June 17, 2018
4. Oak of the Golden Dream
A new marker, at right, is in braille.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2009. This page has been viewed 2,750 times since then and 92 times this year. Last updated on August 5, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1. submitted on March 28, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3. submitted on June 20, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on June 24, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
