Near Pierce in Clearwater County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Gold Discovered

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

1. Gold Discovered Marker

Inscription. Hearing rumors of gold in the hills, Captain Elias Davidson Pierce started his first journey from Walla Walla to this area on August 12, 1860, with a crew of ten. The crew included: Benthnel Farrell (18), Horace Dodge (22), Joseph L. Davis (37), J.R. Benfield (22), Jonathan E. Smith (22), Wilber Basset (30), Frank Turner (22), David Diggins (24), Samuel B. Reed (28), and John W. Parks (Unknown). They arrived in what is now called "Pierce" on September 28, 1860. Basset found the first gold in the Canal Gulch. When he returned to camp later that day, he told all the men about his find. The next day everyone was out before dawn sinking holes in creek bottoms and gulches, finding gold almost everywhere. Excited with the good news, they headed back to Walla Walla.
Text adapted from Layne Gellner Spencer's "And Five Were Hanged", c 1971.

Erected by Jonathan Syed, Eagle Scout Project.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is September 28, 1860.

Location. 46° 28.29′ N, 115° 49.08′ W. Marker is near Pierce, Idaho, in Clearwater County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 11 at milepost 27 near Fromelt Road, on

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the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pierce ID 83546, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Chinese Hanging (a few steps from this marker); Pierce Gold Rush (a few steps from this marker); Boom & Chinese of Pierce (a few steps from this marker); Murder & Vigilantes (within shouting distance of this marker); Oro Fino City (approx. one mile away); Chinese Cemetery (approx. 1.4 miles away); Pierce Courthouse (approx. 1.6 miles away); a different marker also named Pierce Courthouse (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pierce.

More about this marker. This marker is on a short trail leading to the site of the Chinese Hanging.

Additional keywords. gold discovery

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

2. Gold Discovered Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 214 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 11, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.