| Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park | |
|---|---|
 The actual spot whereJames W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848 | |
   | |
| Location | Coloma, California, U.S. |
| Nearest city | Placerville, California |
| Coordinates | 38°48′00″N120°53′38″W / 38.800°N 120.894°W /38.800; -120.894[1] |
| Area | 576 acres (233 ha) |
| Established | 1942 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Official name | Marshall Monument[2] |
| Reference no. | 143 |
| Official name | Gold Discovery Site[3] |
| Reference no. | 530 |
| Official name | Coloma Road[4] |
| Reference no. | 748 |
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is astate park ofCalifornia, United States, marking the discovery ofgold byJames W. Marshall atSutter's Mill in 1848, sparking theCalifornia Gold Rush. The park grounds include much of the historic town ofColoma, California, which is now considered aghost town as well as aNational Historic Landmark District. The park contains theCalifornia Historical Landmarks: a monument to commemorate James Marshall (#143),[2] the actual spot where hefirst discovered gold in 1848 (#530)[3] and Coloma Road (#748).[4] Established in 1942,[5] The park now comprises 576 acres (233 ha) inEl Dorado County.[6]
The entire route ofCalifornia State Route 153 lies within the park, and allows visitors to drive to the top of the hill where the monument toJames W. Marshall stands. The Gold Discovery Museum features gold-rush-era exhibits including mining equipment, horse-drawn vehicles, household implements and other memorabilia. The American River Nature Center, operated by the American River Conservancy, features murals of local wildlife, hands-on exhibits, animal mounts and live small animals.
In 1886 the members of theNative Sons of the Golden West, Placerville Parlor #9, felt that the Marshall deserved a monument to mark the grave of the "Discoverer of Gold". In May 1890, five years after Marshall's death, Placerville Parlor #9 successfully advocated[7] the idea of a monument to the State Legislature, which appropriated a total of $9,000[8] for the construction of the monument and tomb, the first such monument erected in California. A statue of Marshall stands on top of the monument, pointing to the spot where he made his discovery in 1848. The monument was rededicated October 8, 2010 by the Native Sons of the Golden West, Georgetown Parlor #91, in honor of the 200th Anniversary of James W. Marshall's birth. The California Historical Landmark No. 143 marker is at 310 Back Street,38°47′47″N120°53′40″W / 38.7965°N 120.8945°W /38.7965; -120.8945.[9]
The oldColoma Road opened in 1847, it ran from Sutter's Fort to the city of Coloma. Marshall traveled the road to tell of his gold find to Captain John A. Sutter. During the 49ers gold rush thousands of miners traveled the road heading out to look for gold and claims.[10][11] California's first stage line, California Stage Company, traveled the road starting in 1849, the line was founded byJames E. Birch.[12] The Coloma Road is a California Historical Landmark No. 748. A marker is in the Gold Discovery parking area at38°48′08″N120°53′34″W / 38.8023°N 120.8927°W /38.8023; -120.8927.[4] There is a secondColoma Road California Historical Landmark, No. 747, inRescue, California.[13]
