Pioneer Hill and Lockeford

Delia Hammond Locke named Lockeford in 1859, the Native Daughters' bronze says, and she wrote down nearly everything else. She came west in 1855 and began a daily journal that year, keeping it until 1922; almost every entry opens with the temperature at sunrise, at two in the afternoon and at sunset. The volumes, now at the University of the Pacific, record the town's church, its temperance societies and its sewing circle. Her husband's ford over the Mokelumne gave the place its name. A widely copied transcription calls her Delia Hanford.

What the plaque says

Pioneer Hill It was on this hill that Dr Dean Jewett Locke and his brother Elmer H. Locke built the first cabin of this section in 1851. Disturbed by grizzly bears, they spent their first nights in the oak trees. Dr Locke, physician for the Boston and Newton Joint Stock Company, left Boston April 16 1849, crossing the plains. Arriving at Sacramento, Sept 16 1849 he built and maintained a ford across the Mokelumne River and because of this fact his wife, Delia Hammond Locke, in 1859 named the town he layed out on his ranch. Lockeford Luther Locke, his father, was postmaster of the first postoffice established in 1861. Dr Locke was born in Langdon N.H. April 16 1823, and died at Lockeford May 4 1887. Dedicated by Stockton Parlor No 256, Native Daughters of the Golden West. July 18 1936.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Lone Star Mill — 4.3 mi
• Lodi Arch — 6.7 mi
• Site of Wood's Ferry and Wood's Bridge — 7.7 mi
• Town of Woodbridge — 7.8 mi