Downieville in Sierra County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows

Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

1. Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows Marker

Inscription. Sierra County Sheriff's GallowsOn November 27, 1885, 20 year-old James O’Neill was hanged from this gallows for the August 7, 1884 murder of Webber Lake dairyman John Woodward. That execution, conducted by Sheriff Samuel C. Stewart, approximately 100 feet west of this site, was the last legal execution in Sierra County and the only time this gallows was used. Changes in State law in 1891 ended local executions in California and further changes in 1941 ended hanging as a means of legal execution within the state.

Second Marker:This Gallows
Erected 1857
Last execution here on Friday November 27, 1885 by Sheriff Sam Stewart
Marker placed May 17, 1953 by
Naomi Parlor No. 36
Native Daughters of the Golden West

Erected 1988 by State Department of Parks and Recreation, County of Sierra and Sgt. Lee Adams, Project Director, Native Daughters of the Golden West. (Marker Number 971.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 17, 1868.

Location. 39° 33.527′ N, 120°

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49.801′ W. Marker is in Downieville, California, in Sierra County. Marker can be reached from Courthouse Square near Calloway Street. The marker is located at the south side of the parking lot at the Sierra County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Courthouse Square, Downieville CA 95936, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sierra County, California (a few steps from this marker); Mountain Howitzers (within shouting distance of this marker); Henness Pass Road - Downieville (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hirshfeldter Building (about 700 feet away); Masonic Building (about 700 feet away); Downieville Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away); First Protestant Church (about 700 feet away); In Memory of Juanita (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Downieville.

Regarding Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows. This site was designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No. 971 on March 6, 1987 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 15, 1990.

Also see . . . Sheriffs Gallows. Designated California Historic Landmark No. 971 in 1988, the Sierra County Sheriff's Gallows stands adjacent the Sierra County Courthouse in Downieville, the Sierra County Seat. On November 27,

This Gallows Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

2. This Gallows Marker

The second marker, located on side of the base facing the gallows.

1885, James O'Neill was hanged from this gallows for the murder of John Woodward. (Submitted on June 27, 2011.)

Additional keywords. Executions

Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

3. Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows Markers

The State Registered Landmark Marker is facing the front. The Native Daughters' and NRHP Plaques are mounted on the side.

Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

4. Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows and Marker

Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

5. Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows

Following it's one-time use it was dismantled and stored in the courthouse. It was restored and placed here in 1988.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 840 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on July 25, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1. submitted on June 27, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2, 3. submitted on June 28, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4, 5. submitted on June 27, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.