Volcano in Amador County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Union Hotel

Formerly Union Billiard Saloon and Boarding House 1880

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, January 31, 2009

1. Union Hotel Marker

Inscription. A place for fun, frolic, dancing and good food for early gold miners and lumber mill workers. Room on the right served as the Justice Court, scene of the first hanging trial held by Judge Jonas, original owner

Renovated in 1987 by
Edward Mickiwicz, Educator

(Ghosts on the Premises?)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1987.

Location. 38° 26.58′ N, 120° 37.844′ W. Marker is in Volcano, California, in Amador County. It is on Consolation Street west of Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Volcano CA 95689, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and 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: The Old Bavarian Brewery (a few steps from this marker); The Thomas Starr King Bell (a few steps from this marker); Astronomical Observatory (within shouting distance of this marker); Volcano (within shouting distance of this marker); Soldier Gulch (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Volcano (within shouting distance of this marker); Carlo Andrea Dondero (about 300 feet away); General Store (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Volcano.

Another marker is no longer nearby.

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John Doble's Cabin (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Volcano History. A potted history of Volcano, including a very short section on the Union Inn. (Submitted on February 3, 2009.)

Volcano Union Inn image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, January 31, 2009

2. Volcano Union Inn

Although the marker indicates that there may be ghosts on the premises, none were observed on the day this photograph was taken.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, January 31, 2009

3. Jonas House

Judge Peter Jonas' House, constructed 1850s. Judge Jonas lived directly next door to the Union Hotel. Now a private residence.

Starr King Bell, ca. 1863 image. Click for full size.

4. Starr King Bell, ca. 1863

According to the accompanying plaque, "The bell was donated to Volcano by Unitarian preacher Thomas Starr King, who was grateful to the town for its support of the Union and the election of Abraham Lincoln. The bell was originally located at the Methodist Cemetery. The bell is Vickers cast steel and was manufactured in Sheffield, England". The bell is located roughly 400 feet east of the Volcano historical marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,836 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 3, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 4. submitted on October 28, 2008. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.