Colfax in Placer County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Schuyler Colfax

1865

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 7, 2006

1. Schuyler Colfax Marker

Inscription. Schuyler Colfax, Speaker of the House of Representatives, was asked by President Abraham Lincoln on April 14 to take a message to the miners of the west, that their prosperity is the prosperity of the Nation. These may have been Lincoln’s last words on public subjects, as he was shot later that evening at Ford Theatre, Washington, D.C.

In May 1865 Colfax traveled 2000 miles by stagecoach, reaching San Francisco on July 1, 1865. The slow journey emphasized the need for a railroad to the Pacific. Colfax traveled by special train on the new Central Pacific Railroad, 56 miles from Sacramento to Colfax, and along the working sections on horseback and by coach. Track was graded and laid and trains were running to the town of Colfax, named for the Speaker. The Transcontinental Railroad would unite the Atlantic Regions and the Pacific Regions of our Nation.

Colfax went on to be Vice-President under Ulysses S. Grant, 1869-1873.

Erected 2003 by ECV Lord Sholto Douglas Chapter 3 and Colfax Area Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars

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. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1851.

Location. 39° 6.011′ N, 120° 57.15′ W. Marker is in Colfax, California, in Placer County. It is at the intersection of Grass Valley Street and Rail Rd Avenue on Grass Valley Street. Marker is located in Railroad Park, at the railroad tracks. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Colfax CA 95713, 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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Colfax (a few steps from this marker); Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad (a few steps from this marker); Robert G. Fowler - Colfax (within shouting distance of this marker); First Brick Building in Colfax (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Murphy’s Saloon (about 300 feet away); Leopold & Josephine Lobner (about 300 feet away); IOOF Hall (about 300 feet away); Illinoistown Lodge No. 51 (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colfax.

Schuyler Colfax Monument and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 7, 2006

2. Schuyler Colfax Monument and Marker

Close-Up of the Schuyler Colfax Statue on Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 7, 2006

3. Close-Up of the Schuyler Colfax Statue on Monument

Credits. This page was last revised on September 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,010 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on December 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.