French Gulch in Shasta County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

French Gulch

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008

1. French Gulch Marker

Inscription. Founded nearby by French miners in 1849, the town of Morrowville, relocated here, was the center of one of the state's richest gold producing areas. Total production was over $20,000,000. One of California's first stamp mills operated at the nearby Franklin Mine. From 1856 to 1858 French Gulch was the trailhead on the western branch of the California-Oregon Trail. St. Rose Catholic Church was founded in 1856. As a supply and stopping place the town rivaled Shasta.

First Registered January 11, 1935.

Erected 1993 by State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Gertrude Moss Historical Fund, Shasta Historical Society and Trinitarianus Chapter #62, E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 166.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Notable Places • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 11, 1850.

Location. 40° 41.969′ N, 122° 38.324′ W. Marker is in French Gulch, California,

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in Shasta County. It is on Main Street when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: French Gulch CA 96033, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Valley,

specifically in the Central Valley,

and in the Shasta Cascade.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

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 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: French Gulch Hotel (here, next to this marker); E. Franck & Co. (a few steps from this marker); French Gulch Lodge (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); I.O.O.F. Lodge #75 (approx. ¼ mile away); Camden House (approx. 2.4 miles away); Toll Bridge (approx. 2½ miles away); Tower House Historic District (approx. 2½ miles away); Lewiston Hotel (approx. 8.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008

2. French Gulch Marker

of all markers in French Gulch.

Additional keywords. Gold Rush

French Gulch Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008

3. French Gulch Mural

French Gulch - Whiskeytown School
Students, Staff and Friends, 1996

French Gulch Main Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008

4. French Gulch Main Street

French Gulch Directional Sign Located on Highway 299 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008

5. French Gulch Directional Sign Located on Highway 299

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,390 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on July 25, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 12, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on April 12, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.