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

Chinese Miners of the Mother Lode

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 21, 2023

1. Chinese Miners of the Mother Lode Marker

Inscription. Following the California Gold Rush of ’49, swarms of Chinese miners came to make their mark on the diggings in the Mother Lode, including this Coloma Valley. They were industrious and self-contained and mostly content to thoroughly comb the old diggings. Thus they reclaimed much gold that would have been overlooked. Chinese merchants came to serve their needs, such as Wah Hop who ran the adjoining store.

This plaque dedicated to the memory of the diligent Chinese miners of the gold days.

Erected 1960 by James W. Marshall Chapter No.49, E Clampus Vitus on January 23, 1960.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.

Location. 38° 48.076′ N, 120° 53.554′ 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 stores on the south 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); James W. Marshall (a few steps from this marker);

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California Stamp Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Mormon Workers Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Nelson Bell (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).

Regarding Chinese Miners of the Mother Lode. Also see: All other Coloma markers for additional information.