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

Where the Gold Rush Started

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 21, 2023

1. Where the Gold Rush Started Marker

Inscription. Welcome to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where you can stand on the spot where the gold rush started.

In 1848, James Marshall caught sight of gleaming small gold nuggets in the tailrace of the sawmill. With a gold piece in his hand, he could not have imagined that people would come from all over the world in search of gold. And little did he know that decades later we would still visit the spot where he found gold.

Come walk in James Marshall;s footsteps – and those of the gold seekers who followed. Explore the site of the sawmill, learn about the gold rush in the museum, and discover the many stories of those who sought their fortunes in California.

“It made my heart thump, for I was certain it was gold.”
- James Marshall

Erected by California Department of Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 38° 48.145′ N, 120° 53.565′ W. Marker is in Coloma, California, in El Dorado County. It can be reached from Coloma Road (California Route 49) north of Mt Murphy Road when traveling east.

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The resin panel is mounted to a metal stand on the trail to the mill replica. 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); Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (a few steps from this marker); James Wilson Marshall (within shouting distance of this marker); Capt. William E. Shannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Partners In History (within shouting distance of this marker); Changing Life for the Nisenan (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Changing California (about 300 feet away); Dreams of Success

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 21, 2023

2. Where the Gold Rush Started Marker

The mill replica is visible in the background.

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

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.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 230 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 23, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.

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