Coloma Schoolhouse

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 17, 2009

1. Coloma Schoolhouse Marker

Inscription. In 1885 Coloma’s three private school schools enrolled 187 pupils; two years later one large public school held 234 children. That school was housed in the original El Dorado County Courthouse on this site. The courthouse burned in 1915, and this school building was moved here from Slatington, near Kelsy.

The second schoolhouse was restored in 1995 through the efforts of Park staff, the Gold Discovery Park Association and El Dorado County citizens.

Erected by Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 47.953′ N, 120° 53.335′ W. Marker was in Coloma, California, in El Dorado County. Marker was on State Highway 49 (Main Street), on the right when traveling north. Marker and schoolhouse are located within the boundaries of the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Coloma CA 95613, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Coloma Schoolhouse (a few steps from this marker);

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Odd Fellows Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); El Dorado Bath House and Shaving Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Papini House (within shouting distance of this marker); Coloma (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Bell's Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Kane House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coloma.

More about this marker. The marker has been removed and replaced by a different marker.

Also see . . .
1. Coloma and Lotus. There have been several school houses built and rebuilt where the Coloma School House stands today. The final restoration took place in Sept., 1995. The building is now open to the public for viewing due to the outstanding efforts of the Coloma Schoolhouse Restoration Committee. There is also an intensive school interpretive program. (Submitted on March 17, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

2. Discover Coloma.

Coloma Schoolhouse and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 17, 2009

2. Coloma Schoolhouse and Marker

Marker is located to the right of the steps.

There are four walking tours you can take in Coloma. This easy, half-mile walk goes along Main Street from the Visitor Center to the School House and back. This is the area occupied by the historic town of Coloma. (Submitted on March 17, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

3. California State Parks Video Transcript. Scroll to page 5 to read the docent transcript for the schoolhouse. (Submitted on March 17, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

4. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park Site Map. Mapping locations of historic sites and buildings in Coloma. (Submitted on March 17, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Additional commentary.
1. From the Article "Coloma - Birthplace of the California Gold Rush"
(http://freepages.history.rootsweb.
ancestry.com/~gtusa/usa/ca/coloma.htm)

In 1957 the school was closed, as the county reconsolidated all of the small school districts. In 1963 the building became an antique shop, and in 1978 it was purchased by the state. Restoration began in 1984, and in July 1987 it was opened as a museum. BUT...fate sometimes lends an interesting hand to man’s best interests. Three months later a runaway logging truck with 72,000 pounds of logs remodeled the building. Unfortunately the truck and driver were uninsured, and $44,000 worth

Coloma Schoolhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 17, 2009

3. Coloma Schoolhouse

of damage to the structure occurred. Money was raised, and on September 9, 1995 the building was re-dedicated.

— Submitted March 17, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Additional keywords. Gold Rush

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 17, 2009

4. Coloma Schoolhouse

Interior of the Coloma Schoolhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 17, 2009

5. Interior of the Coloma Schoolhouse

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 17, 2009

6. Interior of the Coloma Schoolhouse

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 17, 2009

7. Interior of the Coloma Schoolhouse

Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 17, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,491 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on March 17, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.