Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is a park in California that commemorates the site of the original gold discovery that sparked the California Gold Rush. Visitors may go gold panning, sightsee, and learn about the region’s rich gold rush history.
The Nisenan Indians formerly inhabited this valley, and it was here, in 1848, that James W. Marshall discovered gold along the South Fork of the American River. This moment sparked the astonishing expansion of the West over the next decades and prompted the largest migration in the Western Hemisphere’s history.
One of the most significant historical landmarks in the United States is in modern-day Coloma, California: the tailrace of Sutter’s sawmill, where gold was found. For the benefit of future generations, the park’s staff at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Site works to maintain the original discovery site and its surrounding terrain as a faithful portrayal of the Gold Rush period. Park interpretive materials focus on 1847–1852 but also trace the growth of the nearby town of Coloma.
History of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Marshall’s Found Gold In the tailrace of the sawmill that James W. Marshall was constructing for himself and John Sutter, he discovered glittering flakes of gold. This site is now known as State Historic Park. In 1848, a groundbreaking discovery altered the trajectory of American and Californian history. Visit approximately 20 restored structures, such as mines, homes, schools, and shops, as well as a sawmill that looks much like the original.
Hiking and picnicking At Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
In addition to hiking and picnicking in the shade of the riparian oak trees, visitors can also try their hand at gold panning in the American River. Overlooking the picturesque river canyon where James Marshall is buried today stands the state of Marshall’s statue, the first historical landmark in California, where he originally discovered gold.
The park hosts daily educational events all year round in the sawmill model. Get in on the action by visiting the Gold Discovery Museum and Visitor Center, where they host a variety of exciting activities and exhibits all year round, including the popular “Live History Days” program.
Address: 310 Back St, Coloma, CA 95613, United States
Phone: +1 530-622-3470
Opens-Closed: 8 am-8 m
Established: 1942
Management: California State Parks
Departments: James W. Marshall State Historical Monument
