Coloma in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
“Gold Boys Gold”
Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 17, 2009
1. “Gold Boys Gold” Marker
On January 24, 1848, James Marshall set off early and alone to inspect progress in deepening the ditch that channeled water from the sawmill back to the river. Suddenly, he bent over and picked up a few particles gleaming in the icy water. “Hey, boys, by God, I believe I’ve found a gold mine,” he called, walking toward the mill hands.The men ran to meet him. One seized a flake, bit it, and when the metal did not break, yelled, “Gold, boys, gold!” After they had further tested the metal by boiling it in lye and beating it thin, the men were convinced that Marshall had found gold. Four days later, on January 28, John Sutter wrote in his diary, “Mr. Marshall arrived from the mountains on very important business.”
Erected by Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1823.
Location. 38° 48.22′ N, 120° 53.561′ W. Marker is in Coloma, California, in El Dorado County
Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 17, 2009
2. “Gold Boys Gold” Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sutter’s Mill Site (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tailrace (within shouting distance of this marker); Partners In History (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); James Wilson Marshall (about 400 feet away); The Coloma Road (about 500 feet away); Capt. William E. Shannon (about 700 feet away); Mormon Cabin (about 800 feet away); Sutter Mill Replica (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coloma.
Also see . . .
1. THE DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN CALIFORNIA, By General John Sutter. (Submitted on March 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. James Marshall. A biography of James Marshall. (Submitted on March 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Additional keywords. Gold Rush
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park 1977 Brochure
3. James Marshall 1844
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 19, 2008
4. The Marshall Monument
This monument was erected in 1890 by the State of California at the gravesite of James Marshall.
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,922 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
