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

El Dorado Bath House and Shaving Saloon

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 21, 2023

1. El Dorado Bath House and Shaving Saloon Marker

Inscription. In the 1850’s a black man, Joseph Smallwood, operated a barbershop that straddled the creek at this location. Typical of many barbershops of this period, Smallwood’s establishment also provided hot baths for his customers. The water was carried through a trough or pipe into the building and heated. The water was then poured over the bather, the used water was returned to the creek.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

Erected by California Department of Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 38° 47.957′ N, 120° 53.377′ W. Marker is in Coloma, California, in El Dorado County. It is on Coloma Road (California Route 49 at milepost 2) south of Brewery Street, on the right when traveling south. The resin marker is mounted to a metal stand next to the creek. 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: Papini House (here, next to this marker); Odd Fellows Hall (a few steps from this marker); County Courthouse (a few steps from this marker); Kane House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker

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also named Robert Bell's Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Coloma (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Virginia Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Coloma Schoolhouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coloma.

Other markers no longer nearby. Papini House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Robert Bell's Store (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Odd Fellows Hall (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Dukehart’s Barbershop and Bathhouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Coloma’s Largest Brick Store (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); American House Hotel (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Related marker. Click here

El Dorado Bath House and Shaving Saloon Marker & Creek image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, January 21, 2023

2. El Dorado Bath House and Shaving Saloon Marker & Creek

for another marker that is related to this marker. A previous marker on the same subject.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 349 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 1, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.