Rough and Ready in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Indian Grinding Rock

Photographed by Syd Whittle, January 19, 2011

1. Indian Grinding Rock Marker

Marker is located on the ground at the foot of the grinding rock.

Inscription. Indian women used grinding rocks such as these, along with a linear rock called a “pestle”, to grind grass seeds, acorns and other foods during the meal preparation process, which included gathering, storing, leaching and cooking. It is believed each hole here served as many as 3 people, and the six holes here represent the possibility that this encampment contained 18 people total. Acorns, grass seeds, and roots provided a diet rich in starch and fat. These Indians were nicknamed the “Digger Indians” by the local immigrants.

Erected 2010 by Wm. Bull Morris – Wm. Morris Stewart Chapter 10, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.

Location. 39° 13.796′ N, 121° 8.163′ W. Marker is in Rough and Ready, California, in Nevada County. It can be reached from Rough and Ready Highway, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located on the grounds of the western town at the Rough and Ready Toll House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14365 Rough and Ready Highway, Rough and Ready CA 95975, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

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

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within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Rowe Saw Mill (here, next to this marker); The China Wall (a few steps from this marker); Rough and Ready Toll House (a few steps from this marker); Toll Road Stake (within shouting distance of this marker); Fippin's Blacksmith Shop (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Republic of Rough and Ready (about 700 feet away); Rough and Ready (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lyman Gilmore, Jr. (approx. 3.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rough and Ready.

Indian Grinding Rock and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, January 19, 2011

2. Indian Grinding Rock and Marker

Photographed by Syd Whittle, January 19, 2011

3. Indian Grinding Rock and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,306 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 24, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.