Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is a California state park near Placerville, California, USA. It marks the discovery of gold by James W. Marshall at Sutter's Mill in 1848. The park grounds include much of the historic town of Coloma, California, which is now considered a ghost town as well as a National Historic Landmark District.

The entire route of California State Route 153 lies within the park, and allows visitors to drive to the top of the hill where the monument to James W. Marshall stands. In 1886, the members of the Native Sons of the Golden West, Placerville Parlor #9 felt that the "Discoverer of Gold" deserved a monument to mark his final resting place. In May 1890, five years after Marshall's death, Placerville Parlor #9 of the Native Sons of the Golden West successfully advocated[1] the idea of a monument to the State Legislature, which appropriated a total of $9,000[2] for the construction of the monument and tomb, the first such monument erected in California. A statue of Marshall stands on top of the monument, pointing to the spot where he made his discovery in 1848. The monument was rededicated October 8, 2010 by the Native Sons of the Golden West, Georgetown Parlor #91 in honor of the 200th Anniversary of James W. Marshall's birth.[3]

References

  1. ^ http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=21417
  2. ^ http://www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/Living/Stories/Marshall_Monument.aspx
  3. ^ http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMADY7_Marshall_Monument

External links