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

James W. Marshall

Discoverer of Gold

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 21, 2023

1. James W. Marshall Marker

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° 48.073′ N, 120° 53.548′ W. Marker is in Coloma, California, in El Dorado County. It 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.

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: Chinese Stores (here, next to this marker); Chinese Miners of the Mother Lode (a few steps from this marker); California Stamp Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Nelson Bell

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Mormon Workers Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Sutter Mill Timbers (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Wintermantel's Miner's Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Arrastre (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coloma.

Other markers no longer nearby. Chinese Stores (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Mormon Cabin (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Sutter Mill Replica (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

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

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 7, 2008

2. James W. Marshall Marker

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 21, 2023

3. James W. Marshall Marker

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 7, 2008

4. James W. Marshall Marker

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 7, 2008

5. 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

6. James W. Marshall - 1884

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,437 times since then and 127 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 22, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 2. submitted on October 7, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on January 22, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 4, 5. submitted on October 7, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on October 8, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.