Coloma in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

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Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 21, 2023

1. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park Marker

Inscription. On January 24, 1848 James W. Marshall discovered gold in the south fork of the American River. The discovery sparked the famous California Gold Rush which brought thousands of prospective miners to California from around the world.

Erected by California Department of Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is January 24, 1848.

Location. 38° 48.14′ N, 120° 53.572′ W. Marker is in Coloma, California, in El Dorado County. It is on Coloma Road (California Route 49) north of Mt Murphy Road, on the right when traveling north. The resin panel is mounted in a kiosk at the mill parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Coloma CA 95613, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Metro,

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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Coloma Road (a few steps from this marker); Where the Gold Rush Started (a few steps from this marker); Capt. William E. Shannon (within shouting distance of this marker); James Wilson Marshall (within shouting distance of this marker); Partners In History (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Place to Gather and Work (about 300 feet away); Changing Life for the Nisenan

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(about 300 feet away); Changing California (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coloma.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Mormon Cabin (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Gold discovered at Sutter’s Creek.

"A millwright discovers gold along the banks of Sutter’s Creek in California, forever changing the course of history in the American West."

(Submitted on January 23, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Second Panel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 21, 2023

2. Second Panel

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 21, 2023

3. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 526 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 23, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.