Near Columbia in Tuolumne County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Mark Twain Cabin
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 3, 2012
1. Mark Twain Cabin Marker
This cabin was first built in 1922 to commemorate the famed author’s presence in Tuolumne County during the winter of 1864-65. Sam Clemens had come over the mountains from Virginia City, Nevada, to San Francisco with his friend Steve Gillis. His various biographers gave different reason for Clemens coming to Jackass Hill. No matter the reason, Sam Clemens arrived here on December 4, 1864.Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, stayed with the other two Gillis brothers, Jim and Bill, and Dick Stoker (local pocket miners) until about February 25, 1865. While living on the hill, Sam heard the story of the “Jumping Frog” in an Angels Camp saloon. His version would find their way into Mark Twain’s later writings. That short stay here in the Sierra had quite an impact on American literature.
Time and the elements took their toll on the first “Mark Twain Cabin.” So the Sonora Sunrise Rotary Club, during 2002-05, restored the cabin as its centennial project, celebrating 100 years of Rotary (1905-2002). This cabin was dedicated on February 23, 2005, the 100th birthday of Rotary International.
Erected by
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Rotary International series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is December 4, 1864.
Location. 37° 59.965′ N, 120° 28.602′ W. Marker is near Columbia, California, in Tuolumne County. Marker is on Jackass Hill Road east of California Highway 49. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia CA 95310, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Mark Twain Cabin (a few steps from this marker); The Story Under the Lake (approx. 0.7 miles away); a different marker also named Mark Twain Cabin (approx. 0.7 miles away); Tuttletown (approx. one mile away); Robinson's Ferry (approx. 1.7 miles away); Archie D. Stevenot (approx. 1.7 miles away); Mormon Battalion Monument (approx. 2 miles away); Archie Stevenot (approx. 2˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
More about this marker. This is California Historical Landmark No. 138
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 3, 2012
2. Mark Twain Cabin Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 3, 2012
3. The Mark Twain Cabin
Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2012. This page has been viewed 638 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on August 7, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
