Dorrington in Calaveras County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Dorrington Hotel
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 18, 2006
1. Dorrington Hotel Marker
Built in 1860 by John and Rebecca Gardner, this was a stage coach stop on the Big Trees Carson Valley Road. A toll road from 1862 – 1910. The hotel served as a depot for stockmen and as a summer resort.
Noted for its ice cold springs, it was called Cold Springs Ranch until a Post Office was established. Rebecca’s maiden name was submitted to the Postal Department and the town has been known as Dorrington since 1902.
Erected 1983 by Matuca Chapter No.1849, E Clampus Vitus, May 29, 1983.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 38° 18.056′ N, 120° 16.624′ W. Marker is in Dorrington, California, in Calaveras County. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3431 Highway 4, Arnold CA 95223, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hanging On By A Branch (approx. 2 miles away); Discovery and Exploitation (approx. 2.3 miles away); Board's Crossing (approx. 2.3 miles away); California Big Trees State Park
this page online
Regarding Dorrington Hotel. Legend has it that the Dorrington Hotel is haunted by its former mistress, Rebecca Dorrington Gardner. It is said her ghost walks the halls at night of the 155 year old hotel. Rebecca's nightly roaming consists of doors being open and shut, lights flashing on and off and furniture being moved. Many visitors to the Dorrington Hotel claim to have seen or felt Rebecca Dorrington Gardner walking through the dining room of the hotel. It is believed that she frequently rings the motion detector.
One year the Dorrington Hotel was decorated for Christmas by placing an artificial Christmas tree in every room. Each night, Rebecca went about knocking the Christmas trees down leaving the owner of the hotel or the occupant of the room to upright the Christmas tree. One story floating around is that once there was a gas leak in the kitchen and Rebecca warned the owner
Photographed By Syd Whittle, September 13, 2008
2. Dorrington Hotel Marker with Hotel in the Background
There are reports that other ghosts also occupy the Dorrington Hotel. Many visitors say they have heard the noise of children during the night. Several guests claimed to have been "treated to a ghostly reenactment of Rebecca's fall down the stairs." Legend has it that Rebecca suffered fatal injuries in 1870 when she fell down the rear staircase of the hotel, when in fact, Rebecca Dorrington Gardner died on October 16, 1910 in Altaville, California.
Many inquiring customers visit the Dorrington Hotel and Restaurant 1852 hoping to see or hear the ghost of Rebecca. Many overnight visitors of the Dorrington Hotel have reported seeing a footprint by their bed appearing to be left by Rebecca as she roamed the hotel at night.
Just last Christmas, Marc Lanthier, owner and operator of the Dorrington Hotel, took two pictures of the hotel, showing the Christmas lights that adorned the front. When Marc Lanthier loaded the pictures onto his computer one came out bright and clear, in the other picture a vapor of visible figures is floating over the hotel. Could this be the ghost of Rebecca Dorrington Gardner?
Source: AC Associated Content: The Dorrington Hotel: Legend Persists that Rebecca Gardner Haunts the Hotel
Calaveras County, California's Best Kept Secret
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 18, 2006
3. Dorrington Hotel
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 18, 2006
4. Dorrington Hotel
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 18, 2006
5. Building Located Next to the Dorrington Hotel
This building housed a store, The Club Room Saloon and the Post Office. It currently has a store and The Club Room Saloon. Note: As of Sept 2008 the store has been closed.
Photographed By Ed Hess, Stockton, Ca
6. Vintage Postcard - Club Room, Post Office and Store
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 23, 2010
7. Big Trees Carson Valley Turnpike Tolls
This sign is on display at the Calaveras County Historical Society Museum in San Andreas, California.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,886 times since then and 58 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 3, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 7. submitted on August 23, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
