Colfax in Placer County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Illinoistown

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, August 29, 2014

1. Illinoistown Marker

Inscription.

This marker dedicated to the pioneer settlers of Alder Grove, later known as Illinoistown from 1849-1865

Erected 1948 by Sierra Pines Parlor No. 275, Colfax, Native Daughters of the Golden West.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 39° 5.468′ N, 120° 57.044′ W. Marker is in Colfax, California, in Placer County. Marker is at the intersection of Iowa Hill Road and Canyon Way, on the right when traveling east on Iowa Hill Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Colfax CA 95713, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic Bell From St. Dominic's Church at Iowa Hill (approx. half a mile away); Colfax Passenger Depot (approx. 0.6 miles away); Memorial Hall (approx. 0.6 miles away); Colfax Record (approx. 0.6 miles away); Schuyler Colfax (approx. 0.6 miles away); Colfax (approx. 0.6 miles away); Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad (approx. 0.6 miles away); Robert G. Fowler - Colfax (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colfax.

More about this marker. The

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marker stands at the beginning of Iowa Hill Road, the scenic road to the Gold Rush town of Iowa Hill (California Historical Landmark 401). Iowa Hill Road is narrow and winding with precipitous drops into the American River Canyon. A highlight is the suspension bridge over the North Fork American River. If you visit Colfax, and would like to spend a few hours off the grid, you should take Iowa Hill Road all the way to Sugar Pine Reservoir, about 32 miles round trip.

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, August 29, 2014

2. Illinoistown Marker

Iowa Hill Road image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, August 29, 2014

3. Iowa Hill Road

Iowa Hill Road is not recommended for autos with trailers which means that it is highly recommended for sports cars and motorcycles.

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, August 29, 2014

4. Iowa Hill Road

Iowa Hill Road Bridges image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, August 29, 2014

5. Iowa Hill Road Bridges

This wire suspension bridge over North Fork American River was built in 1928 by Placer County to replace an earlier wooden bridge at the same location. The bridge has steel lattice towers and a wood deck.

Placer County built a new bridge for automobiles in 1985, but left the suspension bridge in place as a pedestrian bridge.

Mineral Bar Campgrounds, on the east bank of the river at the bridge, is a popular spot to pan for gold.

Iowa Hill Road Pedestrian Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, August 29, 2014

6. Iowa Hill Road Pedestrian Bridge

Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2020, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 10, 2020, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.