Near Jackson in Amador County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Butte Store
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 8, 2008
1. Butte Store Marker
Erected 1985 by Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number 39.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1974.
Location. 38° 19.532′ N, 120° 44.113′ W. Marker is near Jackson, California, in Amador County. It is on State Highway 49 at milepost 1.4, 2½ miles south of State Route 88, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8040 CA-49, Jackson CA 95642, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Gold Country and in the Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Moore Mine (approx. 1.6 miles away); Zeile Mine and Mine House (approx. 2.2 miles away); Mokelumne Hill (approx. 2.3 miles away); Emily Peek's Saloon (approx. 2.3 miles away); Calaveras County Courthouse and Leger Hotel (approx. 2.3 miles away); a different marker also named Mokelumne Hill (approx. 2.3 miles
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Botilleas Bordellos (was approx. 2½ miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Regarding Butte Store. Originally built and operated by Enrico Bruni in 1857. The general store operated by the Ginnochio family for over 50 years, finally closing its doors in the early 1900's.
According to the Historic American Buildings Survey, the structure is constucted of brick and Calaveras schist fieldstone, with 3 iron doors of 20 panels each.
In 1932 this was designated California Historical Landmark No. 39 - Butte Store. This is the only structure remaining of Butte City, prosperous mining town of the 1850s. As early as 1854 Xavier Benoist was conducting a store and bakery in this building. Later Ginocchio had a merchandise business here.
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. Butte Store Marker
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 8, 2008
3. Butte Store
courtesy Historic American Buildings Survey (Library of Congress), 1930's
4. Butte Store
By Burton Frasher, from the Pomona Public Library, Frasher Foto Postcard Collection, 1946
5. Butte Store
By the time this was taken, the state had recognized this structure as an official California Historical Landmark (No. 39), and mounted a plaque on the front of the building (barely visible in the photo).
courtesy Bancroft Collection, University of California, 1956
6. Butte Store
The plaque visible in 1946 is gone. However, the state did add a sign identifying the structure.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 3,696 times since then and 79 times this year. Last updated on December 21, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1. submitted on July 2, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2. submitted on January 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 2, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
