"A part of the way the rocks cover the ground so large that it is with the greatest difficulty that we can find a place to drive our waggons [sic] through the trail is quite crooked" - Amasa Morgan, Jul 24, 1849 — — Map (db m211141) HM
"The river here is…filled with large rocks. We crossed on a bridge but expect to ford the next times…We started through Mad Canyon which is rightly named…the hardest place for teams I ever saw" - Caroline L. Richardson, Sep 12, 1852 — — Map (db m211142) HM
"Thence over a high sloping stony hill (sloping to the river) and down a steep hill to a canon or pass creek, where comes the first tug of war! Through the first range of the Sierra Nevada mountains" - Giles S. Isham, Aug 5, 1850 — — Map (db m211139) HM
This marks the home of John Albert Thomson (Snowshoe Thomson), great pioneer of the Sierra and hero of the mountains, who for twenty winters carried the mail over deep snow of the mountains on his long skiis [sic], giving help to those in . . . — — Map (db m209084) HM
Bedrock mortars were made by Native California Women. The cup shapes were worn smooth by repeated pounding and grinding for use in processing food. Both the Washoe and Miwuk Tribes traversed and summered in this high Central Sierra Region. Although . . . — — Map (db m10998) HM
Through his life’s dreams and efforts. Thousands enjoy skiing, good water, scenic meadows and preservation of Bear Valley’s natural beauty.
In Appreciation — — Map (db m10965) HM
This Sierra Crossing used by Jedediah Smith 1821 - Major John Ebbetts 1850 - Snowshoe Thompson 1856-76 - Gold Seekers 1850's. Old road left Carson Pass Road in Hope Valley, crossed Border Ruffian Pass to Hermit Valley, Pacific Summit and through . . . — — Map (db m10730) HM
About 200 yards offshore, in what was once Silver Valley lies the Reynold’s House. This house appears on an 1878 General Land Office map and was probably one of the many road houses along the route that catered to tourists and travelers. Reynold’s . . . — — Map (db m10999) HM
The Carson River Route saw more wagon travel during the peak of the Gold Rush than any other emigrant trail. Most of these were Gold seekers headed for the diggings in Placerville, Volcano, Jackson, and Sutter Creek. In 1855, the California State . . . — — Map (db m211982) HM
In 1849 Dr. James Caples passed through here on his way to California’s gold country.
After a brief stay in Old Hangtown (Placerville) Caples remembered the lake and returned here with his family to establish a way station that served weary . . . — — Map (db m11048) HM
Front of Marker
"After dinner we crossed the first mountain. The ascent is half a mile and much like going up the side of a house in steepness. With hughe stones in the road, aside the road and all around the road."- Henry Sheldon Anable, . . . — — Map (db m148705) HM
Below this ridge is what some pioneers dubbed the “Devils Ladder.” A name reflecting the steepness and extreme difficulty that pioneers experienced as they began their ascent over the Sierra Nevada. This climb was usually referred to as . . . — — Map (db m21284) HM
This building has been the pioneer home of the Kirkwood and Taylor families since it was built by Zachary Kirkwood in 1864. This building was one of the first resorts operated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. — — Map (db m100580) HM
On this spot, which marks the summit of the Kit Carson Pass, stood what was known as the Kit Carson Tree on which the famous scout Kit Carson inscribed his name in 1844 when he guided the then Captain John C. Fremont, head of a government exploring . . . — — Map (db m100568) HM
At this point in August 1849, a group of Odd Fellows nearing their goal, the California gold mines, paused in their struggle up these granite walls, to paint on this and adjacent boulders their names and the three links of the Great Order they so . . . — — Map (db m100569) HM
In February of 1844, John C. Fremont led a group of men over these mountains as they struggled to reach Sutter’s Fort. Little did they know that the pass, which lay 20 to 30 feet under the snow beneath them, would be a major route for the Gold Rush . . . — — Map (db m21278) HM
Here the Old Emigrant Road of 1848 swung down across the meadow now covered by Caples Lake (Twin Lakes) and climbed along the ridge at the right to the gap at the head of the valley. From this summit (9,460 feet) it descended to Placerville. . . . — — Map (db m100570) HM
At this place the highway crosses the site of the old emigrant road which here began a long loop around the Silver Lake basin, taking it to an elevation of 9,640 feet at one place. This difficult portion of the road was used by thousands of . . . — — Map (db m175821) HM
“…there ought to be a shaft raised to Snow-Shoe Thompson: Not of marble; Not carved and not planted in the valley, but a rough shaft of basalt or of granite, massive and tall, with top ending roughly as if broken short, to represent a life . . . — — Map (db m12028) HM
In 1849 Mary Jane Walker Caples, along with her brother, husband James, and baby daughter Isabella, traveled overland by wagon to the gold fields of California. The Caples went to “Hangtown,” (Placerville,CA) to seek their fortune. James . . . — — Map (db m44987) HM
This building was designed by Frederic J. DeLongchamp, a designer and engineer of mining, born in Reno, Nevada, on June 2, 1882 and educated in Nevada. He designed 500 buildings, libraries, hotels, and post offices in the counties of the State of . . . — — Map (db m635) HM
The construction of this historical complex was initiated in 1964, "Alpine County's Centennial Year", by the Historical Society of Alpine County. With concerted effort and fortitude it was completed and duly dedicated as a historical landmark on . . . — — Map (db m3088) HM
Originally built in 1862 as the Fiske House in Silver Mountain City. It was dismantled, board by board, in 1886 by A.M. Grover and a crew of men. Each board was marked and many of the old square nails were saved. It was re-erected on this site and . . . — — Map (db m20631) HM
Summer after summer the Washoe Indian people visited the valley. Eventually their idyllic retreat was discovered.
During the winter of 1844 Captain John Fremont may have seen this place during his crossing of the Sierra. Fremont’s diary of his . . . — — Map (db m11001) HM
Named after Major John Ebbett and pointed out in 1853 to surveyor G.H. Goodard who referred to it as a “route of great promise – probably the best one for a transcontinental railway.”
No emigrant train used this route but a . . . — — Map (db m11444) HM
Telltale signs of geologic activity surround Grover Hot Springs State Park. Bold granite peaks to the northwest are the work of immense mountain building forces. Old lava flows cover hundreds of square miles to the east, giving the Markleeville area . . . — — Map (db m13239) HM
On December 18, 1872 Ernst Reush, A jealous husband, shot and killed E.H. Erickson, A local saloon owner and Great Saint of Whiskey Pouring, at Erickson's saloon in Silver Mountain City. Reush believed that Erickson had been having an affair with . . . — — Map (db m285000) HM
On December 18, 1872, Ernst Reusch, a jealous husband shot and killed E.H. Erickson through the window of Erickson’s Saloon in Silver Mountain City as Erickson played cards. Reusch believed that Erickson had been having an affair with his wife . . . — — Map (db m116094) HM
In 1856 a road was completed following the present sign route 4 from Murphys to this point, and thence northward via Faith and Charity Valleys to Hope Valley where it joined the Carson Pass Road. This connection was used by emigrants in 1856 and . . . — — Map (db m10316) HM
On September 12, 1861, Jacob Markley staked out a land claim of 160 acres, a parcel that included this site. Markley erected a 16 by 20 foot log cabin somewhere near this plaque, covering it with shakes made from local Sugar Pine. He also built a . . . — — Map (db m157808) HM
On August 2, 1885, fire broke out in the Town of Markleeville destroying several buildings, including Harvey and Rask’s Bucher Shop and Smokehouse. Later on in the Fall, the building was rebuilt and reopened as Rask’s Butcher Shop.
The building . . . — — Map (db m11963) HM
In 1875, the Alpine County seat was moved from Silver Mountain (Kongsberg) to Markleeville. A new jail being needed, a foundation was laid using logs. The iron cells from the old jail were placed thereon and using the mortise and tenon method the . . . — — Map (db m3007) HM
Built by the citizens of Markleeville in 1882 it remained in operation until 1929 when the new Webster School was completed. In 1966, with the old school on the verge of total destruction, the Historical Society of Alpine County began to raise funds . . . — — Map (db m3006) HM
Settled by Scandinavian miners in 1858, - then called Kongsberg. Renamed Silver Mountain in 1863 and made county seat of Alpine County Aug. 11th, 1864. During the Sixties, the town supported a post-office, two newspapers, express office, telegraph . . . — — Map (db m58786) HM
This marks the home of John Albert Thompson (Snowshoe Thompson) great pioneer of the Sierras and hero of the mountains, who for twenty winters carried the mail over the deep snow of the mountains on his long skies: Giving help to those in need along . . . — — Map (db m21302) HM
John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson (1827-1876) Native of Norway who carried mail across the Sierra Nevada on skis, assisting the needful for twenty years, dwelt and died on this site.
Dedicated on June 30, 1990
Native Sons of the Golden . . . — — Map (db m21301) HM
[The first paragraph of the marker is unreadable]
One of the most popular passes through the Sierras along the Emigrant Trail was Carson Pass. This Pass was discovered by Kit Carson, a guide to the Fremont Party.
The Fremont Party, led by John . . . — — Map (db m223952) HM
Markleeville had few amenities during its rollicking youth, though like most respectable
pioneer towns, it boasted a hurdy house. These establishments provided the predominantly
male population a chance to unwind with a drink and possibly . . . — — Map (db m169617) HM
The Raymond Mining District was in operation from 1863 – 1869. It was located roughly four miles north of Silver Mountain and four miles south-west of Markleeville, along Krumm Creek entering Pleasant Valley. Named for R. W. Raymond, who . . . — — Map (db m116092) HM
This building was designed by Frederic J. DeLongchamps, a designer and engineer of mining, born in Reno, Nevada, on June 2, 1882, and educated in Nevada. He designed 500 buildings, including schools, courthouses, commercial structures, and . . . — — Map (db m3089) HM
"Passed over the summit of the first range and came to [Grass] lake situated nearly on the summit of the mountain....We began our decent [sic] down the mountain over as rough a road as we came up, into Lake Valley" - Luman A. Scott, Sep 8, 1859 — — Map (db m212025) HM
"Then up hill [from Hope Valley] and away, steep and rugged and we at last gain the first summit of the Nevada Mountains [at Luther Pass] and down t'other side more rugged than ever" - John McTurk Gibson, Sep 3 1859... — — Map (db m212003) HM
"We immerged [sic] from the canon [sic] into a pretty valley in between two ranges of high mountains. Pretty pine trees were scattered over a small grass lawn, and a beautiful mountain stream passed through it." - Lorena L. Hayes, Sep . . . — — Map (db m211992) HM
"We crossed Carson River, for here we leave the Carson Route and take what is called the Johnson Route or 'Johnson's Cut-Off to Hangtown'." - J. Robert Brown, Sep 25, 1856 — — Map (db m211987) HM
"We crossed Carson River, for here we leave the Carson Route and take what is called the Johnson Route or 'Johnson's Cut-Off to Hangtown'."
- J. Robert Brown, Sep 25, 1856 — — Map (db m212969) HM
During the initial five weeks of its operation in 1860, an important remount station of the famous Pony Express was located a few feet from here at Cary’s Barn.
This monument erected by the Historical Society of Alpine County.
National . . . — — Map (db m143520) HM
Daniel Woodford started his hotel, The Sign Of The Elephant, sometime between 1849 and 1857. The Sign Of The Elephant reflects a popular expression of the day for finding something unique or notable. The hotel served travelers along the Old Emigrant . . . — — Map (db m195368) HM
Historic Woodfords Station, the Eastern Sierra gateway to the goldfields of California, way station of the famed Pony Express, and entrance to Carson Pass on the Emigrant Trail to the Sacramento Valley. Beginning in 1849 with the building of the . . . — — Map (db m195369) HM
The first internment in the Amador City Cemetery was 1851 with the last being in 1892. There are many more graves than indicated by the marble headstones. Some graves were never marked and others utilized hand carved wooden markers. During the . . . — — Map (db m17020) HM
The mine was first worked as the Rancheria Mine in 1853. Was renamed the South Mayflower in 1893. It was organized in 1899 as the Bunker Hill Consolidated Mine and operated till 1922, producing $5,154,382 in gold. The shaft reached 3440’ on an . . . — — Map (db m44619) HM
Present two story brick structure was completed in 1879. Designed as a mercantile store, then converted to hotel and boarding house to accommodate local miners and travelers. Remained in operation until 1927. Walls at the base are twelve bricks . . . — — Map (db m9005) HM
Founded in 1851 from many claims. One of the most profitable and longest running mines. Joining with South Spring Hill Mine working till 1942. East shaft worked until 1952. Reached a depth of 2680'. Employed 100 men and produced $24,000,000 in gold. — — Map (db m26037) HM
Opened in 1852 from six claims. Renamed Original Amador Consolidated working till 1918. Reopened in 1935 till 1937. Shaft reached 1238’. Total production was $3,500,000. — — Map (db m10329) HM
Founded in 1851 working continuously till 1893. Purchased by Keystone Company in 1920 and connected to it. Closed in 1942. Contained 3 shafts: South Spring Hill 1200’, Tallisman 600’, and Medean at 600’ deep. Produced $1,092,472 from . . . — — Map (db m44608) HM
Owned by the Treasure Mining Company of San Francisco. Founded prior to 1867. Sometimes called the Hazard Mine. Shaft reached 3030’ on the incline with winzes. Was connected to the Bunker Hill Mine to the south at the 1600; level. Produced . . . — — Map (db m44620) HM
Rich placer mining, 1850’s. Origin of town’s name: Lack of water in nearby creek to wash gold. Many Chinese laborers in fields & mines. East gateway to New Chicago, New Philadelphia, Amador City; Quartz mines: Fremont-Gover & Treasure (1867), Bunker . . . — — Map (db m74124) HM
Founded 1848. Oldest town and first in which gold was discovered in Amador County. Its venerable town hall and other picturesque structures remain. Was not "dry" as name implies, containing 26 saloons at one time. — — Map (db m100575) HM
Founded prior to 1867 as the Loyal Lode Mine. The Fremont-Gover Company formed in 1872 and worked the Gover in the 1880’s and ‘90’s. The Fremont shaft was sunk in 1903 including a 40 stamp mill continuing in operation until 1918. Reopened in 1937 . . . — — Map (db m8433) HM
This plaque is dedicated on September 10, 1960 by the ancient and honorable society of E Clampus Vitus to honor the memory of the early miners, both placer and quartz, of Amador County on the Mother Lode in California.
It marks the place where . . . — — Map (db m10851) HM
Settled by Missourians, 1849. Suggested that settlement be called Fiddletown because residents “were always fiddling”. Changed in 1878 to Oleta but original name later restored. Once trading center for American, Loafer, and French Flats, Lone . . . — — Map (db m100577) HM
California Historical Landmark
—— Fiddletown-Oleta ——
Settled in 1849 by a party from Missouri. According to tradition they were always fiddling, especially while waiting for the rainy season—hence the name..... It . . . — — Map (db m2539) HM
Hiram C. Farnham built this home for his bride, Eunice Haynes. It overlooked the creek and steam powered sawmill that he built with James McLeod in 1853 to serve the new rich gold strike in Fiddletown. The boomtown was served by six stagecoaches a . . . — — Map (db m41369) HM
In the mineral rich Ione Valley, between Ione and the southern Mokelumne River, where once mining communities like, Lancha Plana, Camp Opra and Camanche dotted the maps, is the town of Buena Vista. Situated at the intersections of two thoroughfares . . . — — Map (db m101437) HM
Buena Vista's store and house situated in Jackson Valley, was built by John Fitzsimmons, then sold to Sam Cook, then to James Norris and afterwards to Jacob and Verona Strohm. Once situated in Lancha Plana it was moved by the Chinese who discovered . . . — — Map (db m10189) HM
General merchandise store built by Daniel Stewart in 1856. First brick building erected in Ione Valley from nearby Muletown brick. Ione, once known as "Bed-Bug" and "Freeze-Out” was an important supply center on the main road to the Mother Lode and . . . — — Map (db m100587) HM
Killed in Action
World War I
E.F. Forbes
George L. McCall
World War II
Harold Corbin
Mervin Howdy
William Johnson
Vietnam
James D. Rinehart
May they find eternal peace
and may this community
never forget those who . . . — — Map (db m175893) WM
Built in the 1860’s of Ione Brick by Brewers Raab and Huttner. Served as a Brewery for Over 30 Years. In 1907 C.C. Prouty Moved His Creamery to this Site. A Soda Works and Ice Plant Were Installed in 1910. Various Businesses Have Occupied the . . . — — Map (db m15825) HM
Originally built as the three story commercial hotel in 1864, razed by fire and re-built as a one story building in 1930. Remodeled in 1966 by the City of Ione as its City Hall.
Mayor
David S. Mason III
Councilmen
Jack Gasawawy • . . . — — Map (db m2373) HM
City Council
Michael C. Bohl, Mayor • Bobbie Potts, Mayor Pro Tem • Gary Beck, Councilman • Jim Brazil, Councilman • Loreta Tillery, Councilwoman
Staff
Randy L. Johnsen, City Administrator • Janic Traverso, City Clerk • Guy Reynolds, . . . — — Map (db m2376) HM
The first high school in Amador County was erected on this spot in 1903 by the Ione Academy, a private corporation. The original two-story frame structure, built at a cost of $2,287, housed the school until 1939. As a result of the steady growth in . . . — — Map (db m94743) HM
This building, built in the year of 1854, was originally a hardware store on the ground floor and a dance hall on the upper floor.
Ione Parlor No. 33, N.S.G.W. bought the building in the year 1884 and has continuously owned it and met here . . . — — Map (db m2380) HM
Long before the structure pictured above was built, Ione's most notable civic building was
leveled by fire on June 10, 1923. The original building was constructed in 1893 by the
26th Agricultural District Fair Association and was known as the . . . — — Map (db m193551) HM
Prior to 1914, theatergoers viewed silent movies and 'legitimate' shows in the Women's Pavilion at the west end of Main Street. Around this same time, Claude Violet operated the "Electric Theater" in another Ione location. His space was limited, so . . . — — Map (db m193579) HM
In 1876 Ione’s Annual Picnic moved from Shakeley Hill to this location. The 100 acre park is part of an 1840 land grant and was leased to the city by the Howard Estate May 11, 1967. The park during it’s early years hosted many of the important horse . . . — — Map (db m42400) HM
Looking North from this monument lies 5.22 acres which was originally deeded to Ky Kee, Hop Wah Chung, Quong On Long and Chang Hang Co. in 1883. Known as Chinatown, the community was comprised of stores, homes and a Joss House. At the peak of . . . — — Map (db m42397) HM
Old No. 7 was the last steam locomotive to operate over the Amador Central Railroad between Ione and Martell. The twelve mile long railroad lies entirely within Amador County and is one of the shortest railroads in this country. Iron Ivan is a fine . . . — — Map (db m2371) HM
In 1848, Mexican Settlers from Sonora, Mexico established a camp on the north back of the Mokelumne River and called it Sonora Bar. At the start of the California Gold Rush miners flocked to the Mokelumne River and set up camps and towns along its . . . — — Map (db m126094) HM
The cornerstone was laid in 1862. Constructed of locally fired brick, the church was completed in 1866. Dedicated as “Ione City Centenary Church” and later popularly known as the “Cathedral of the Mother Lode.” The church was the first to serve the . . . — — Map (db m241817) HM
The “castle,” built in 1890–1894, is the most significant example of Romanesque Revival architecture in the Mother Lode. It was built to house the Preston School of Industry, established by the State Legislature as a progressive . . . — — Map (db m100594) HM
Quincy, located approximately 1 1/2 miles east of here off Mule Creek, was one of the cities within the boundaries of Rancho Arroyo, or the grant, that suddenly appeared in the early 1850's.
Don Andreas Pico purchased the grant from Teodosio . . . — — Map (db m94747) HM
Property settled by J. P. Martin in 1848. Home built circa 1852. Purchased in 1882 by William Scully, who arrived from Ireland in 1854. The Scully family has owned and operated the ranch for five generations. Present owners are Robert and Etta . . . — — Map (db m42398) HM
The building before you was originally built in 1856 as the two-story Williams Hotel. In 1875, Mr.
E.A. Kingsley purchased the hotel for $2,000 and renamed it The Veranda. A spectacular kitchen fire
in January of 1884 claimed the hotel, adjoining . . . — — Map (db m193575) HM
Two German orphaned immigrant brothers come to the United States of America. One of them, John Hermann Deutschke finds his way to California and marries Maria Agnes Winter who was widowed on the journey west. In 1862, he purchases the first of . . . — — Map (db m176165) HM
Built circa 1863, this imposing residence with its classical columns, two-storied gallery, French window and fan transom, is an important local representative of the Greek Revival tradition in America. The house, constructed of locally fired brick, . . . — — Map (db m94748) HM
Judge Smith proclaimed Jackson the Seat of Justice after Clerk Collier canvassed the votes of the May 1851 election in which 1224 votes were cast for Moquelumne Hill and 1014 for Jackson. An armed party from Moquelumne Hill pursued Judge Smith to . . . — — Map (db m27499) HM
Erected by the Citizens of
Amador County California in
Memory of
Anthony Caminetti
A native of Jackson,
Amador County
Born July 30 1854
Died November 17 1923
District Attorney, State Senator, United States Congressman, United . . . — — Map (db m72067) HM
Very Reverend Archimandrite Sebastian Dabovich
The First Administrator of the Serbian Church In America – Born in San Francisco on June 21, 1863 – Died November 30, 1940 in the Monastery of Zitcha at the Age of Seventy-Seven. — — Map (db m13966) HM
Argonaut Mine, discovered 1850, and Kennedy Mine, discovered 1856, played dramatic roles in the economic development of California. They produced $105,268,760 in gold. Kennedy Mine has a vertical shaft of 5,912 feet, the deepest in the United . . . — — Map (db m100586) HM
On the hill to your right stand the remains of the Argonaut Mine gallus (headframe), beneath which 47 miners were lost when a fire broke out deep in the main shaft on August 27, 1922. At that time the Argonaut was one of the deepest gold mines in . . . — — Map (db m94781) HM
