Interested in finding a different kind of gold while attending the Summit? If so, drive over to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (SHP) in Coloma, a one hour drive from Sacramento, and view the site where James W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848 on the South Fork of the American River.
In 1847, Marshall partnered with John Sutter, founder of “New Helvetia” (later named Sacramento) to go into the lumber business. The partners selected Coloma Valley for their mill site because the American River supplied power and the surrounding forests of Ponderosa pines supplied lumber. Sutter supplied the capital and Marshall oversaw mill construction and operation. However, one cold morning while Marshall was inspecting the watercourse, he noticed some shiny gold flecks in the tailrace. Marshall tried to keep the find a secret; however, the news soon spread and triggered the California Gold Rush, considered the greatest mass movement of people in the Western Hemisphere.
Park Gold History
In 1847, Marshall partnered with John Sutter, founder of “New Helvetia” (later named Sacramento) to go into the lumber business. The partners selected Coloma Valley for their mill site because the American River supplied power and the surrounding forests of Ponderosa pines supplied lumber. Sutter supplied the capital and Marshall oversaw mill construction and operation. However, one cold morning while Marshall was inspecting the watercourse, he noticed some shiny gold flecks in the tailrace. Marshall tried to keep the find a secret; however, the news soon spread and triggered the California Gold Rush, considered the greatest mass movement of people in the Western Hemisphere.
“Monday 24th. This day some kind of mettle was found in the tail race that looks like goald, first discovered by James Martial, the Boss of the Mill.” —from Henry Bigler’s Diary, January 1848
