Gold Discovery Site

The most consequential spot in California was lost for three-quarters of a century. Miners tore up the mill, the river shifted, and by the time anyone wanted to mark the exact place there was argument about where it was. The Society of California Pioneers fixed the location in 1924 and set this rock monument on it. The original tailrace itself was not uncovered until 1947, along with more of the mill's timbers, after the ground had become a state park.

What the plaque says

Sutter's Mill Site This rock monument marks site of John A. Sutter's saw mill in the tailrace of which James W. Marshall discovered gold, January 24, 1848, starting great rush of argonauts to California. The Society of California Pioneers definitely located and marked site in 1924. Additional timbers and relics, including original tailrace unearthed in 1947, were discovered after property became state park. Marshall Monument, overlooking this spot, was erected following movement inaugurated in 1886 by Native Sons of the Golden West. Tablet placed by Historic Landmarks Committees Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West January 24, 1948 on centennial of gold discovery.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park — 0.8 mi
  The tailrace at Coloma where a carpenter found gold in January 1848 and the world came running.

More markers nearby

• Coloma Road-Coloma — steps away
• Marshall Monument — 0.5 mi
• Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony — 2.1 mi
• Marshall's Blacksmith Shop — 4.1 mi