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

James W. Marshall

Discoverer of Gold

By Syd Whittle, October 7, 2008

1. James W. Marshall Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

“Boys I believe I have found a gold mine” so said James W. Marshall to his millworkers on January 24, 1848, after he discovered gold in the tail race of Captain John A. Sutter’s sawmill at Coloma. This discovery started the great Gold Rush to California which resulted in its admission to the Union as the thirty first state on September 9, 1850. This plaque dedicated in his honor by E Clampus Vitus, January 27, 1957

Erected 1957 by James W. Marshall Chapter No.49, Hangtown, California.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1850.

Location. 38° 48.087′ N, 120° 53.572′ W. Marker is in Coloma, California, in El Dorado County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 49. Marker is located between the two Chinese Store buildings on the southern side of State Highway 49. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Coloma CA 95613, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chinese Miners of the Mother Lode (here, next to this

By Syd Whittle, October 7, 2008

2. James W. Marshall Marker

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marker); Chinese Stores (here, next to this marker); Mormon Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Sutter Mill Replica (within shouting distance of this marker); Miner’s Cabin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Coloma Road (about 300 feet away); Sutter Mill Timbers (about 300 feet away); James Wilson Marshall (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coloma.

More about this marker. Also see: James W. Marshall and all other Sutter’s Mill and Coloma markers for additional information.

By Syd Whittle, October 7, 2008

3. James W. Marshall Marker

Chinese Store is in background. This store now serves as a small mining museum.

James W. Marshall - 1884 image. Click for full size.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park 1977 Brochure

4. James W. Marshall - 1884

Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,822 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 7, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on October 8, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.