Diamond Springs in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Diamond Springs

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 5, 2008

1. Diamond Springs Marker

Inscription. This town, settled in 1848, derived its name from its crystal clear springs. Among the richest in this vicinity its diggings produced a 25 pound nugget, one of the largest in El Dorado County. Its most thriving period was in 1851. Later it became a contender for the county seat. Through its lumber, lime production, and agriculture, Diamond Springs retained some of its early importance.

Erected by California State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the citizens of Diamond Springs and the Mother Lode Lions Club of Diamond Springs and El Dorado. (Marker Number 487.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Pony Express National Historic Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 38° 41.637′ N, 120° 49.038′ W. Marker is in Diamond Springs, California, in El Dorado County. It is on Pleasant Valley Road (State Highway 49), on the right when traveling west. Main St. is Highway 49 within town. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 Main Street, Diamond Springs CA 95619, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Metro,

in the Sierra Nevada,

and in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Diamond Springs I.O.O.F. No. 09 Lodge Hall (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Odd Fellows Hall (about 600 feet away); Hiram No.43 Masonic Building (approx. 1.9 miles away); El Dorado (approx. 1.9 miles away); El Dorado (Mud Springs) (approx. 1.9 miles away); Johnson Cutoff Trail - Placerville (approx. 2.3 miles away); Carson Trail - Placerville (approx. 2.3 miles away); Cemetery of Lost Souls (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Diamond Springs.

More about this marker. The marker is mounted on a monument directly in front of the fire station. Diamond Springs is a California Registered Historical Landmark (No. 487).

Regarding Diamond Springs. Diamond Springs was unusual in that a majority of its original settlers in 1850 came from one place - Missouri.

As with many other Gold Rush era settlements, fire destroyed most of the buildings, in this particular instance twice - in 1856 and 1859.

Station No. 49 image. Click for full size.

July 5, 2008

2. Station No. 49

The marker stands in front of Fire Station No. 49 (built in 1949, on Highway 49).

Pony Express Trail Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 5, 2008

3. Pony Express Trail Marker

Diamond Springs was a stop on the Pony Express Trail. In 1960, the National Pony Express Centennial Association commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Pony Express with markers such as this one. The marker is on the monument, directly below the main historical marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,497 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 1, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2. submitted on September 1, 2008. 3. submitted on September 1, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.