Columbia in Tuolumne County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Wilson/McConnell House

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 2, 2012

1. Wilson/McConnell House Marker

Inscription. James Wilson, a Norwegian immigrant shoemaker, purchased the property and brick building to the right in 1869. The brick building housed his shop; living quarters were in the rear. Wilson died in 1876, leaving his widow, Rose, and 8 children. This home had been planned and she saw to its completion in 1878. Dr. and Mrs. James McConnell purchased the properties in 1941, restored the home, moving in to it in 1943. Geraldine McConnell, widowed in 1961, continued to reside here. The home was the governor’s mansion for a day in 1945 when Columbia was designated a state historic monument; also, it was featured in the movie “High Noon.” It is noteworthy that 2 widows, Rose, in the 19th century, and Geraldine, in the 20th century, have been responsible for the building, restoration and preservation of this landmark.

Erected 1992 by Native Daughters of the Golden West, Golden Era Parlor No. 90.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 38° 2.115′ N,

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120° 24.043′ W. Marker is in Columbia, California, in Tuolumne County. It can be reached from Main Street, on the left when traveling south. This marker is located in Columbia State Historic Park between Jackson and State Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia CA 95310, 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 within walking distance of this marker: Water, Precious as Gold (within shouting distance of this marker); A Bountiful Place to Live (within shouting distance of this marker); Bixel Brewery (within shouting distance of this marker); The Burns Cottage (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Home for Immigrants (about 300 feet away); Claverie Building (about

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 3, 2012

2. Wilson/McConnell House Marker

400 feet away); Prosper Rocher Brewery (about 500 feet away); A Cosmopolitan Society (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

The Wilson/McConnell House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 2, 2012

3. The Wilson/McConnell House

The brick building to the right of the Wilson/McConnell House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose, May 29, 2016

4. The brick building to the right of the Wilson/McConnell House

Photographed by Denise Boose, May 29, 2016

5. The brick building to the right of the Wilson/McConnell House

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,556 times since then and 153 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 8, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4, 5. submitted on April 16, 2017, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.