French Corral in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The First Long Distance Telephone
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. First Long Distance Telephone Marker
Commemorating the First Long Distance Telephone in the World.
Built in 1877, by the Ridge Telephone Co, it connected French Corral with French Lake 58 miles away. It was operated by the Milton Mining Co from this building which was built about 1853.
Erected 1940 by Columbia Parlor No. 70 Native Daughters of the Golden West. (Marker Number 247.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.
Location. 39° 18.399′ N, 121° 9.768′ W. Marker is in French Corral, California, in Nevada County. It is on Pleasant Valley Road 4.2 miles west of Route 49, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20346 Pleasant Valley Rd, North San Juan CA 95960, 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Birchville (approx. 1.8 miles away); Bridgeport Bridge (approx. 2 miles away); a different marker also named Bridgeport Bridge (approx. 2 miles away); The Barn
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Bridgeport (Nyes Crossing) Covered Bridge (was approx. 2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Regarding The First Long Distance Telephone. This site was designated California Historical Landmark No. 247 on March 25, 1937. The Milton Mining Company and its building are long gone. Visitors to the area can still see the Wells Fargo building built in 1853, the same year the mining company building was built.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. - Another long distance telephone.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 7, 2011
2. First Long Distance Telephone Marker
Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 7, 2011
3. First Long Distance Telephone Marker
March 23, 2014
4. First Long Distance Telephone Marker
The marker is at left. The original building no longer exists.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, January 18, 2011
5. Wells Fargo & Co Express Building
Located just west of the marker at the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and Broad Street. Built in 1853, the same year the mining company building was built.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,627 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 26, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3. submitted on February 12, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on October 31, 2015. 5. submitted on February 12, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
