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

The Coloma Road

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 21, 2023

1. The Coloma Road Marker

Inscription. Here in the Valley of the Cul-lum-mah Indians, James W. Marshall discovered gold on January 24, 1848, in the tailrace of Sutter’s sawmill. The Old Coloma Road, opened in 1847 from Sutter’s Fort to Coloma, was used by Marshall to carry the news of the discovery to Captain John A. Sutter. During the Goldrush it was used by thousands of miners going to and from the diggings. In 1849 it became the route of California’s first stage-line, established by James E. Birch.

Erected 1960 by The California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Golden Key of Greenwood, El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, and the Grand Parlors of the Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West, August 4, 1960. (Marker Number 748.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Landmarks • Natural Resources • Notable Events • Notable Places • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1749.

Location. 38° 48.139′ N, 120° 53.566′ W. Marker is in Coloma, California, in El Dorado

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County. It can be reached from State Highway 49. Marker is located at the Northeast corner of the Sutter's Mill Replica parking area. Take the trail to Sutter's Mill marker site, this marker is at the entrance to the trail. 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: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (a few steps from this marker); Where the Gold Rush Started (a few steps from this marker); Capt. William E. Shannon (within shouting distance of this marker); James Wilson Marshall (within shouting distance of this marker); Mormon Workers Cabin (about 300 feet away); Partners In History (about 300 feet away); A Place to Gather and Work (about 300 feet away); Changing Life for the Nisenan (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coloma.

Other markers no longer nearby. Mormon Cabin (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Sutter Mill Replica (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. This site has been designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.748

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Other Coloma Road markers in El Dorado and Sacramento Counties.

Also see . . .

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 7, 2008

2. The Coloma Road Marker

Early El Dorado County History. A history of the area as well as details of several early trails and roads. (Submitted on October 9, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 7, 2008

3. The Coloma Road Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,041 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 22, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 2, 3. submitted on October 9, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.