“Gold Boys Gold”

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 17, 2009

1. “Gold Boys Gold” Marker

Inscription. On January 24, 1848, James Marshall set off early and alone to inspect progress in deepening the ditch that channeled water from the sawmill back to the river. Suddenly, he bent over and picked up a few particles gleaming in the icy water. “Hey, boys, by God, I believe I’ve found a gold mine,” he called, walking toward the mill hands.

The men ran to meet him. One seized a flake, bit it, and when the metal did not break, yelled, “Gold, boys, gold!” After they had further tested the metal by boiling it in lye and beating it thin, the men were convinced that Marshall had found gold. Four days later, on January 28, John Sutter wrote in his diary, “Mr. Marshall arrived from the mountains on very important business.”

Erected by Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1823.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 48.22′ N, 120° 53.561′ W. Marker was in Coloma, California, in El Dorado County. Marker could be reached from Highway 49. Marker is located on the trail between the northern parking lot and the Gold Discovery

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Site. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Coloma CA 95613, United States of America.

We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Unstoppable News (within shouting distance of this marker); A Doomed Endeavor (within shouting distance of this marker); Gold to be Found (within shouting distance of this marker); The Moment of Discovery (within shouting distance of this marker); Uncovering History (within shouting distance of this marker); The Spirit of the Gold Rush (within shouting distance of this marker); Sutter’s Mill Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Cutting Edge (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coloma.

Also see . . .
1. THE DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN CALIFORNIA, By General John Sutter. (Submitted on March 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. James Marshall. A biography of James Marshall. (Submitted on March 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Additional keywords. Gold Rush

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 17, 2009

2. “Gold Boys Gold” Marker

James Marshall 1844 image. Click for full size.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park 1977 Brochure

3. James Marshall 1844

The Marshall Monument image. Click for more information.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 19, 2008

4. The Marshall Monument

This monument was erected in 1890 by the State of California at the gravesite of James Marshall.
Click for more information.

“Gold Boys Gold” Marker Gone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, January 21, 2023

5. “Gold Boys Gold” Marker Gone

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,024 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on January 22, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.