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Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
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Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park © UncleVinny / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Marshall Gold Discrovery State Park Main Entrance
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park © Missvain / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
James Wilson Marshall and the Coloma Valley plaque at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, California
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park © Missvain / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The American River at the spot where gold was found in Coloma, California
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park © Missvain / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gold Trail Grange at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, California
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MARSHALL GOLD DISCOVERY STATE HISTORIC PARK
MARSHALL GOLD DISCOVERY STATE HISTORIC PARK
310 Back Street
Coloma, California   95613

Phone: 530-622-3470
James W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848 on the South Fork of the American River in the valley the Nisenan Indians knew as Cullumah. This event led to the greatest mass movement of people in the Western Hemisphere and was the spark that ignited the spectacular growth of the West during the ensuing decades. The gold discovery site, located in the still visible tailrace of Sutter's sawmill, in present day Coloma California, is one of the most significant historic sites in the nation.

The purpose of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is to secure for the people and to make available for their observation, inspiration, and enjoyment, the gold discovery site and its environs as an accurate portrayal of the story that unfolded at the time of the discovery and Gold Rush. The park's interpretive program primarily embraces the period from 1847 through 1852, but also shows the town of Coloma as it developed.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is the place where James W. Marshall found shining flecks of gold in the tailrace of the sawmill he was building for himself and John Sutter. This discovery in 1848 changed the course of California's and the nation's history. See a replica of the original sawmill and over 20 historic buildings including mining, house, school, and store exhibits.

Visitors have the opportunity to try panning for gold in the American River and enjoy hikes and picnics under the riparian oak woodlands. Overlooking the beautiful river canyon, where the gold discoverer rests today, see California's first historic monument, the statue of James Marshall pointing at his gold discovery site .

Throughout the year the park provides daily interpretive programs at the sawmill replica. Participate in special events, exhibits and "Live History Days" planned regularly throughout the year; contact the Gold Discovery Museum and Visitor Center for details.
History of the Area
Located in Coloma, California, the park commemorates a significant event that triggered the famous Gold Rush. In 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill on the South Fork of American River which led to an influx of fortune seekers from around world.

The site was designated as a state historic park by Governor Earl Warren in 1942 and has since been maintained for public education and enjoyment. The area includes several historical buildings such as replica sawmill where Marshall found gold flakes while constructing it for John A.Sutter; original homes belonging to early settlers; museum showcasing artifacts related to mining history etc., all providing insight into life during Gold Rush era.

In addition there are recreational facilities like picnic areas & hiking trails available within this approximately 576 acres large property making it popular among tourists who visit not only learn about its rich past but also enjoy natural beauty surrounding region offers.



Picnicking
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in California offers several picnicking options for visitors. There are picnic tables available on a first-come, first-serve basis where families can enjoy their meals amidst the park's natural beauty. The area is surrounded by trees providing shade and scenic views of the American River. Visitors may also choose to have a more casual picnic experience by laying down blankets on any open grassy areas within the park boundaries.

Trails
1. Monroe Ridge Trail: This 3-mile loop trail is moderately difficult and offers stunning views of the American River Valley, Coloma townsite, and Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's a great place for bird watching.

2. Gold Discovery Loop Trail: A relatively easy half-mile long trail that takes you to some historical sites including James Marshall's cabin site where he discovered gold in 1848 sparking off California Gold Rush.

3. Monument Trail: An approximately one mile-long hike which leads visitors past several historic monuments such as Miner's Cabin ruins, Chinese Stores Site etc., ending at the monument dedicated to James W.Marshall who first found gold here.

4. James Marshall Monument Hike: The short but steep quarter mile uphill climb from museum parking lot will take hikers directly up to this towering statue honoring discovery of gold by Mr.Marshall.

5. North Beach Picnic Area Trails: These are series of shorter trails leading down towards riverfront picnic areas with beautiful view points over South Fork American River.

6. Mormon Island Relocation Cemetery Pathway: Although not exactly a hiking path, it does offer an interesting walk through history .This cemetery was relocated due its original location being submerged under Folsom Lake reservoir waters.

7. Oliver Ridgeway Nature Walk: Named after former El Dorado County supervisor,this flat paved pathway winds around park grounds offering glimpses into local flora & fauna along interpretive panels explaining their significance.

8. Hiking paths within adjoining BLM managed public lands: While technically outside state park boundaries these provide additional options for longer hikes connecting back onto main trails inside State Park area.

9. Sutter Mill Replica Access Road: Not open all year round,but when accessible provides another walking route option between Sutters mill replica on banks of south fork american river upto visitor center/museum complex higher up hillside.

10. Park Headquarters/Visitor Center Grounds Paths: Several smaller pathways crisscrossing around park headquarters & visitor center area,leading towards various exhibits, picnic spots and viewpoints.

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Area Campgrounds
Camp Lotus
5461 Bassi Road
Lotus, CA
530-622-8672
Coloma Resort
6921 Mt. Murphy Road
Coloma, CA
530-621-2267
Camp Chiquita Campground
9092 Wentworth Springs Road
Georgetown, CA
530-333-4673
Auburn Gold Country RV Park
3550 KOA Way
Auburn, CA
530-885-0990
Bowman RV Park
13675 Bowman Road
Auburn, CA
530-888-0136
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
The park is located in Coloma on Highway 49 between Placerville and Auburn.

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California
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California State Parks

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