Shingle Springs in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Camp Site of Boston-Newton Party
Photographed By Syd Whittle, September 18, 2008
1. Camp Site of Boston-Newton Party Marker
On this site the Boston-Newton Joint Stock Association encamped on September 26, 1849. The company left Boston April 16 and arrived at Sutter’s Fort September 27. After a remarkable journey across the continent a rich store of written records preserved by these pioneers has left for posterity a fascinating picture of the Gold Rush.Erected 1950 by California Centennials Commission (Plaque). Based furnished by Descendants of Boston-Newton Party - June 4, 1950. (Marker Number 456.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Landmarks • Natural Resources • Notable Events • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 16, 1821.
Location. 38° 39.919′ N, 120° 55.611′ W. Marker is in Shingle Springs, California, in El Dorado County. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4270 Mother Lode Drive, Shingle Springs CA 95682, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured
this page online
Regarding Camp Site of Boston-Newton Party. This site is a California Registered Historical Landmark (No.456)
Also see . . . George Winslow Monument in Fairbury, Nebraska. Information on a member of the Boston-Newton Party that died while on the trek to California (Submitted on September 18, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Additional commentary.
1. The Boston - Newton Party
During the rush to California’s Mother Lode during the late 1840's and 1850's many stock companies were created in the East. These companies were made up of people who would pool their assets and make the trek to California as a group, with the plans of striking it rich. Many of these companies broke up prior to arriving in California due to disputes among the members, death during the trip, or giving up during the difficult trip, and returning to their homes. One of the companies
Photographed By Syd Whittle, September 18, 2008
2. Camp Site of Boston-Newton Party Marker with Donor Plaque
Descendants Donor Plaque:
Milo J. Ayer, Benjamin Burt, Robert Coffey, Harvey E. Dickenson, Daniel E. Easterbrook, Benjamin C. Evans, Walton C. Felch, Charles Gould, James A. Hough, Dean J. Locke, M.D., Brackett Lord, Nathaniel B. Loring, Thomas H. McGrath, William H. Nichols, Harry Noyes, S. D. Osborn, David J. Staples, J. Fred Staples, Albion C. Sweetzer, George Thomason, John White, Lewis K. Whittier, James St. Wilson, George Winslow, Jesse Winslow.
One member of this group was Dr. Dean Jewett Locke, who with his brother, settled in the San Joaquin Valley and founded the town of Lockeford. See Pioneer Hill marker
From the Burlington, Ma. Historical Commission: The Clapp family moved to California during the mid-1870s. The Clapp family settled in the Central Valley town of Manteca in San Joaquin County, south of Sacramento, Ca. The two youngest daughters, Lucinda and Mary Eleanor, married into New England families transplanted to California. Lucinda married Nathaniel Howard Locke (b. 1859), who was born in the nearby town of Lockeford, California. Nathaniel’s parents, Dr. Dean Jewett Locke (1823-1887) and Delia Marcella Hammond Locke (b. 1836), and his uncle, Elmer H. Locke, came west in 1849, taking the overland route across the Plains. Dr. Locke served as the physician for the Boston and Newton Joint Stock Company, taking six months to complete the overland journey from Boston to Sacramento. Arriving in Sacramento on September 16, 1849, the Lockes built and maintained a ford across the Mokelumne River. The family acquired a ranch and built a cabin in 1851—this was the first cabin in Lockeford, California, located on what is now Pioneer Hill. Disturbed by grizzly bears, they spent their first nights in oak trees. Their son, Nathaniel Howard, was born eight years later in 1859. He married Lucinda Clapp in 1884.
— Submitted September 18, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,204 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 18, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
