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El Dorado County California State Historical Landmarks
Properties of historical importance in California are currently designated as significant resources in three state registration programs: State Historical Landmarks, Points of Historical Interest, and the California Register of Historic Places. Below is a list of the State Historical Landmarks for El Dorado County. This data is provided by the Office of Historic Preservation - California Department of Parks and Recreation and is also available in the California Historical Landmarks Book.
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= indicates a link to a published story on this website. |
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= indicates a link to the 2008 Pony Express Story published story on this website. |
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No. 141
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 HANGMAN'S TREE
In the days of 1849, when this city was called Hangtown, vigilantes executed many men for various crimes. This was the site of Hay Yard, on which stood the 'Hangman's Tree.' The stump of the tree is under the building on which the plaque is placed. Location of Plaque: 305 Main Street, Placerville. [Take a Stroll Down Main Street Placerville] |
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No. 142
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 STUDEBAKER'S SHOP
This shop was built in the early 1850s. The front part housed a blacksmith shop operated by Ollis and Hinds, and John Mohler Studebaker rented a part of the rear. Here he had a bench and sort of woodworking shop where he repaired and worked on wagon wheels and the like. A little later he began to make wheelbarrows for the miners' use. He became engaged in the making of ammunition wagons for the Union Army - from that grew his extensive wagon and carriage business and, eventually, the automobile business. Location of Plaque: 543 Main Street, Placerville. |
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No. 143
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MARSHALL MONUMENT
In 1887 the State of California purchased the site for a monument to commemorate James Marshall, who in 1848 discovered gold near Coloma. Marshall's discovery started the 'gold rush,' that westward trek of Argonauts that marked a turning point in California history. The figure of Marshall atop the monument is pointing to the place of discovery on the South Fork of the American River. Location of Plaque: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma.[ Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park ] |
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No. 319 |
 MARSHALL'S BLACKSMITH SHOP
Marshall's blacksmith shop, located on the Gray Eagle Mine property, was built in 1872-73. Marshall not only was a smithy but also a qualified carpenter.
Location of Plaque: On State Highway 193, Kelsey, CA
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No. 456
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SHINGLE SPRINGS
The Boston-Newton Joint Stock Association, which left Boston April 16 and arrived at Sutter's Fort September 27 after a remarkable journey across the continent, camped here on September 26, 1849. A rich store of written records preserved by these pioneers has left a fascinating picture of the gold rush. Location of Plaque: Mother Lode Drive near the Post Office in Shingle Springs, CA |
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No.475
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 OLD DRY DIGGINS (Old Hangtown Placerville)
This rich mining camp was established on the banks of Hangtown Creek in the spring of 1848. Millions in gold were taken from its ravines and hills, and it served as a supply center for mining camps and transportation terminus for the famous Comstock Lode. John M. Studebaker, Mark Hopkins, Leland Stanford, Phillip Armour, and Edwin Markham were among well-known men who contributed to Placerville's history, as did John A. 'Snowshoe' Thompson, who carried from 60 to 80 pounds of mail on skis from Placerville over the Sierra to Carson Valley during winter months. The
Official State Plaque is at the NE corner of Bedford and Main, Placerville, CA [Take a Stroll Down Main Street Placerville]
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No. 484
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 GEORGETOWN
Founded August 7, 1849, by George Phipps and party, Georgetown was nicknamed Growlersburg because of the heavy nuggets that 'growled' in the miners' pans. After the disastrous fire of 1852 the old town was moved from the canyon in lower Main Street to its present site, and, unique in early-day planning, Main Street was laid out 100 feet wide, with side streets 60 feet. The hub of an immensely rich gold mining area, Georgetown had a population of about three thousand in 1854-56. Location of Plaque: Mounted on wall in front of fire station, Main Street, Georgetown, CA |
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No. 486 |
EL DORADO (Originally Mud Springs)
El Dorado, 'The Gilded One,' was first known as Mud Springs from the boggy quagmire the cattle and horses made of a nearby watering place. Originally an important camp on the old Carson Emigrant Trail, by 1849-50 it had become the center of a mining district and the crossroads for freight and stage lines. At the height of the rush its large gold production supported a population of several thousand. Location of Plaque: North side of intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and Church Street, El Dorado, CA |
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No. 487
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DIAMOND SPRINGS
This town, settled in 1848, derived its name from its crystal clear springs. Among the richest spots in this vicinity, its diggings produced a 25-pound nugget, one of the largest ever found in El Dorado County. Its most thriving period was in 1851 and, through its lumber, lime production, and agriculture, Diamond Springs has retained some of its early importance. Location of Plaque: Northwest corner of Highway 49 at China Garden Road, Diamond Springs, CA |
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No. 521 |
GREENWOOD
John Greenwood, a trapper and guide who came to California in 1844, established a trading post here in 1849. The gold rush town of Greenwood boasted a theater, four hotels, 14 stores, a brewery, and four saloons. Location of Plaque: Southwest corner of the intersection of State Hwy 193 and Greenwood Street, Greenwood, CA |
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No. 530
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 GOLD DISCOVERY SITE
This monument marks the site of John A. Sutter's sawmill. In its tail-race, on January 24, 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold and started great rush of Argonauts to California. The Society of California Pioneers definitely located and marked the site in 1924 - additional timbers and relics, including the original tailrace unearthed in 1947, were discovered after the property became a state park. The State erected the Marshall Monument overlooking this spot in 1890 through efforts begun in 1886 by the Native Sons of the Golden West. Location of Plaque: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, follow trail from Gold Discovery parking lot to American River, State Highway 49, Coloma, CA [ Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park ] |
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No. 551
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 CALIFORNIA'S FIRST GRANGE HALL
Pilot Hill Grange No. 1, with 29 charter members-Master, F. D. Brown - Secretary A. J. Bayley-was organized August 10, 1870. The Grange hall, dedicated at this site on November 23, 1889, was built by Alcandor A. Bayley. Location of Plaque: On State Highway 49, 0.2 miles North of Pilot Hill, CA |
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No. 570
No. 571
No. 572 |
 NEGRO HILL, SALMON FALLS, & CONDEMNED BAR
These historic mining towns, and other mining camps of the gold rush era now inundated by Folsom Lake, are commemorated by the nearby Mormon Island Memorial Cemetery. Here were reburied the pioneers whose graves were flooded when the lake was formed by Folsom Dam. Location of Plaque: Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Green Valley Road, 0.1 mile Northeast the of the El Dorado-Sacramento County line, 4 miles Northeast of Folsom, CA
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No. 699
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 MORMON TAVERN-OVERLAND PONY EXPRESS ROUTE IN CALIFORNIA
At this site on the old Clarksville-White Rock Emigrant Road was the Mormon Tavern. Constructed in 1849, this popular stage stop was enlarged and operated by Franklin Winchell in 1851. It became a remount station of the Central Overland Pony Express and on April 4, 1860, pony rider Sam (Bill) Hamilton changed horses here on the first Eastbound trip. Location of Plaque: On a frontage road adjacent to State Highway 50 (P.M. 1.5), take El Dorado Hills Blvd. South for 0.5 miles to old White Road (road to Clarksville), then Northeast 0.9 mile, then go West 0.3 mile on PG&E Clarksville Substation Road to plaque, 0.5 mile West of Clarksville, CA |
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No. 700
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EL DORADO-NEVADA HOUSE (MUD SPRINGS)
Trading post, emigrant stop, and mining camp of the 1850s. This became one of the remount stations of the Central Overland Pony Express. On April 13, 1860, pony rider William (Sam) Hamilton changed horses here at the while carrying the first westbound mail of the Pony Express from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento. Location of Plaque: Southwest corner of Pleasant Valley Road near Church Street, El Dorado, CA |
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No. 701
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 PLACERVILLE-OVERLAND PONY EXPRESS ROUTE IN CALIFORNIA
Gold rush town and western terminus of the Placerville-Carson Road to the Comstock, Placerville was a relay station of the Central Overland Pony Express from April 4, 1860 until June 30, 1861. Here on April 4, 1860, the first eastbound pony rider, William (Sam) Hamilton, changed horses, added an express letter to his mochila, and sped away for Sportsman's Hall. Placerville was the western terminus of the Pony Express from July 1, 1861 until its discontinuance on October 26, 1861. Location of Plaque: Southwest corner of Main and Sacramento, Placerville, CA |
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No. 703
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 PLEASANT GROVE HOUSE OVERLAND PONY EXPRESS ROUTE IN CALIFORNIA
This was the site of a popular road-house where the ponies of the Central Overland Pony Express were changed from July 1, 1860 to June 30, 1861. From here, the route of the pony riders continued westward to Folsom and eastward to Placerville through Rescue, Dry Creek Crossing, and Missouri Flat. Location of Plaque: Green Valley Road (P.M. 5.5), 3.9 miles West of Rescue, CA
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No. 704
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SPORTSMAN'S HALL OVERLAND PONY EXPRESS ROUTE IN CALIFORNIA
 This was the site of Sportsman's Hall, also known as Twelve-Mile House, the hotel operated in the latter 1850s and 1860s by John and James Blair. A stopping place for stages and teams of the Comstock, it became a relay station of the Central Overland Pony Express. Here, at 7:40 a.m., April 4, 1860, pony rider William (Sam) Hamilton rode in from Placerville and handed the express mail to Warren Upson, who two minutes later sped on his way Eastward. Location of Plaque: 5622 Old Pony Express Trail, Cedar Grove, CA |
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No. 705
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 MOORE'S (RIVERTON)-OVERLAND PONY EXPRESS ROUTE IN CALIFORNIA
This was the site of a change station of the Pioneer Stage Company in the 1850s and 1860s. During 1860-186, the Central Overland Pony Express maintained the first pony remount station East of the Sportsman's Hall. Location of Plaque: At intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and Ice House Road (P.M. 39.7), 9 miles West of Kyburz, CA |
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No. 706
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WEBSTER'S (SUGAR LOAF HOUSE) -OVERLAND PONY EXPRESS ROUTE IN CALIFORNIA
This was the site of Webster's Sugar Loaf House, well-known stopping place during the Comstock rush. Beginning in April 1860, Webster's Sugar Loaf House was used as a remount station of the Central Overland Pony Express; and 1861 it became a horse change station for pioneer stage companies and the Overland Mail.
Location of Plaque: On Highway 50 (P.M. 48. 0), 1.0 mi West of Kyburz |
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No. 707
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 STRAWBERRY VALLEY HOUSE-OVERLAND PONY EXPRESS ROUTE IN CALIFORNIA
This popular resort and stopping place for stages and teams of the Comstock, established by Swift and Watson in 1856, became a remount station of the Central Overland Pony Express. Here on April 4, 1860, Division Superintendent Bolivar Roberts waited with a string of mules to help pony rider Warren Upson through the snowstorm on Echo Summit. Location: Strawberry Lodge on Hwy 50 (P.M. 578), 8.7 mi E of Kyburz |
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No. 708
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YANK'S STATION-OVERLAND PONY EXPRESS ROUTE IN CALIFORNIA
This was the site of the most eastern remount station of the Central Overland Pony Express in California. Established as a trading post on the Placerville-Carson Road in 1851 by Martin Smith, it became a popular hostelry and stage stop operated by Ephraim 'Yank' Clement. Pony rider Warren Upson arrived here on the evening of April 28, 1860 and, changing ponies, galloped on to Friday's in Nevada to deliver his mochila to Bob Haslam for the ride to Genoa. Used as a pony remount station until October 26, 1861, the station was sold to George D. H. Meyers in 1873. Location: Yank's Station shopping center, SW corner State Hwy 50 and Apache Ave, Meyers |
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No. 728
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FRIDAY'S STATION-OVERLAND PONY EXPRESS ROUTE IN CALIFORNIA
At this point the riders of the Central Overland Pony Express crossed the Nevada-California line. Three-quarters of a mile east of here, at Edgewood in Nevada, are the remains of the most easterly remount station of the California Division of the Pony Express. Established about 1858 by Friday Burke and James Small as a stage station on the Placerville-Carson City Road, it became the home station of pony rider Bob Haslam until October 26, 1861 when the Pony Express was succeeded by the Transcontinental Telegraph.
Location: Stateline, Hwy 50 |
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No. 747 |
COLOMA ROAD-RESCUE
Past this point on the old Coloma Road, running between Sutter's Fort and his sawmill on the American river, James W. Marshall rode with the first gold discovered at Coloma on January 24, 1848. Traveled by thousands to and from the diggings, this road became the route of California's earliest stageline, established in 1849 by James E. Birch. Location: At intersection of Green Valley and Deer Valley Rd, Rescue |
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No. 748
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 COLOMA ROAD-COLOMA
Here in the valley of the Cul-luh-mah Indians, James W. Marshall discovered gold on January 24, 1848, in the tailrace of Sutter's sawmill. The old Coloma Road, opened in 1847 from Sutter's Fort to Coloma, was used by Marshall to carry the news of the discovery to Captain John A. Sutter. During the gold rush, it was used by thousands of miners going to and from the diggings. In 1849 it became the route of California's first stage line, established by James E. Birch. Location: in Gold Discovery parking area, State Hwy 49, Coloma
[ Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park ]
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No. 767
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METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Erected in 1851, this is the oldest church building in El Dorado County. Its original site was on the corner of Cedar Ravine and Main Street, Placerville.
Location: 1031 Thompson Way near Cedar Ravine St, Placerville |
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No. 815 |
WAKAMATSU TEA AND SILK FARM COLONY
The agricultural settlement of pioneer Japanese immigrants who arrived at Gold Hill on June 8, 1869-the only tea and silk farm established in California-had a promising outlook but failed tragically in less than two years. This was the initial Japanese-influenced agricultural attempt in California.
Location: Gold Trails Elementary School, 1336 Cold Springs Rd, Gold Hill |
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Source:
CERES State Historical Landmarks
El Dorado County Historical Landmarks |
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