Peg Leg Smith Monument

California cast a state landmark plaque saying a known liar's gold mine possibly could be within a few miles of it. That is the whole plaque, and the hedge is doing real work. Thomas L. Smith told the story; nobody has found the gold. The rock pile beside the bronze is older than the bronze: Harry Oliver, a Hollywood set designer living out here, built it in the late 1940s with a sign inviting seekers to add ten rocks. The state's bronze came in 1960.

What the plaque says

Peg Leg Smith Thomas L. Smith, better known as "Peg Leg" Smith, 1801-1866, was a mountain man, prospector, and spinner of tall tales. Legends regarding his lost mine have grown through the years. Countless people have searched the desert looking for its fabulous wealth. The gold mine possibly could be within a few miles of this monument. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 750 Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce, October 9, 1960.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Borrego Springs — 4.4 mi
  A dark-sky town ringed by state park, with 130 metal beasts loose in the desert around it.
• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — 14 mi
  Six hundred thousand acres of badlands, slot canyons, and palm oases, and the biggest state park in California.

More markers nearby

• San Gregorio — 5.4 mi
• Santa Catarina — 9.8 mi
• Los Puertecitos — 16 mi
• San Felipe Valley and Stage Station — 17 mi