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

Pioneer Cemetery

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 7, 2008

1. Pioneer Cemetery Marker

Inscription. This cemetery, also called “Coloma Protestant” Cemetery, “Sutter’s Mill” Cemetery, and “Vineyard House” Cemetery, is the final resting place for many ‘49ers. Among these graves are the remains of miners, farmers, merchants, tradesmen and their families, as well as murderers and prostitutes. This cemetery contains an estimated 400 – 500 graves. Many are unmarked; the wooden markers disappeared long ago. The oldest existing gravestone is dated 1850. This place was also the site of the famous double hanging of convicted murderers, Jerry Crane and Mickey Free in 1855.

Erected by Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 38° 47.786′ N, 120° 53.364′ W. Marker is in Coloma, California, in El Dorado County. It is on Cold Springs Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located within the boundaries of The Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. 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: Sutter Mill Cemetery – 1848 (here, next to this marker); Coloma’s Pioneer Cemetery (here,

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next to this marker); Emmanuel Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Miller House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Noteware-Thomas House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Joe Seeley Home Watchmaker (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saint John's Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mining Ditches (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coloma.

Other markers no longer nearby. Dukehart’s Barbershop and Bathhouse (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); American House Hotel (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Papini House (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Regarding Pioneer Cemetery. See also: Sutter's Mill Cemetery marker and all other Coloma markers for additional information.

Additional commentary.
1. Jerry Crane
Dr. Crane has the dubious distinction of being the first to be hanged in Coloma, immediately before Mickey Free was hanged in

Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 4, 2005

2. Pioneer Cemetery Marker

the town's celebrated double hanging. Crane murdered one of his students named Susan because, as he claimed, he "loved" her (actually, she had unwisely rejected his marriage proposal), although a little investigating revealed that he had a wife and family back East. He was arrested at his home in Ringgold for the murder, and there was a lynching attempt. However, the Sheriff got him out of town and into the Coloma jail. On the day of the double execution, Coloma hired a brass band from Placerville and made quite a celebration of the event. On the gallows, Crane sang some verses he had composed to a popular tune of the day, and just before the trap fell, he said, "Here I come, Susan!"
Source: Gold Rush Chronicles

— Submitted October 9, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

2. Mickey Free
Mickey Free was Hangee No. 2 in Coloma's celebrated double hanging. He was involved in a cutthroat gang that specialized in raiding and robbing Chinese camps and murdering lonely miners. He was responsible for the murder of a roadhouse keeper. Later, he wrote a confession, "Life of Mickey Free", which was published by the local Empire County Argus paper. At his execution in Coloma immediately following that of Jerry Crane, he cocked his hat over one eye, tossed peanuts into his mouth,

Pioneer Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 7, 2008

3. Pioneer Cemetery

and at one point danced a jig, perhaps to the beat of the brass band from Placerville that was playing. However, when his turn on the gallows came, he tried to sing, but broke down completely. Free's grave can still be found at the edge of the Coloma cemetery.
Source: Gold Rush Chronicles

— Submitted October 9, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Additional keywords. Gold Rush

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 7, 2008

4. Pioneer Cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 4,049 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 9, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.