Placerville in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
John A. "Snowshoe" Thompson
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 5, 2022
1. John A. "Snowshoe" Thompson Marker
This statue commemorates the life and career of Norwegian American pioneer and skier, John A. Snowshoe Thompson, who by his courage and perseverance conquered the impassable winter Sierra Nevada mountains to carry mail, medicine and supplies to settlers in Nevada beginning in January 1856 from this building (built in 1853) His dedication and service lasted many years, an outstanding example of the courage and concern which characterized the citizenry of El Dorado County during the Gold Rush period, and which is the foundation upon which our modern society rests.
Erected by Heritage Association of El Dorado County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1856.
Location. 38° 43.677′ N, 120° 48.184′ W. Marker is in Placerville, California, in El Dorado County. It is at the intersection of Sacramento Street and Main Street, on the right when traveling north on Sacramento Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Metro, in the Gold Country, in the Sierra Nevada, and in the Lake Tahoe Basin. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bayles Building (1853) (a few steps from this marker); Snowshoe Thompson (a few steps from this marker); Placerville Pony Express (a few steps from this marker); Hangmans Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Three Unfortunates Hanged (within shouting distance of this marker); The Forum Cafι/Union Hotel/United States Trio Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Branch Saloon/Bingham's Jewelrey/Seligman Building/Ewing Building (about 300 feet away); Sgt. J. Scott Lindsay (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 5, 2022
2. John A. "Snowshoe" Thompson Marker - wide view, showing marker and mural (note: no statue anywhere)
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . . Snowshoe Thompson: Viking of the Sierra.
"All attempts by postmen to cross the Sierra on woven Canadian and Native American snowshoes had failed until one day in late 1855, Thompson saw an ad in the Sacramento Union: People Lost to the World; Uncle Sam Needs a Mail Carrier.... As a young child in the Telemark region of Norway, ski shaped snow-shoes (called skiskates) were as common as ordinary shoes. A crowd formed in Placerville for his first mail run in January, 1856. Few had faith that he would make it over the 7,500 foot passes on his homemade 10 foot long, 25 pound oak skis. But one optimistic voice in the crowd called out: Good luck, Snowshoe Thompson and he set out to become a legendary postman and father of California skiing."(Submitted on March 11, 2022.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 5, 2022
3. John A. "Snowshoe" Thompson Mural
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 647 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 11, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
