James Marshall Monument – Coloma, California - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

James Marshall Monument

Coloma, California

His discovery kicked off the Gold Rush. One of the hands on this commemorative statue points to the spot where he found the precious metal. 

View all photos
Wide view of the monument. michaelcsiemsen (Atlas Obscura User)
Wide view of the monument. michaelcsiemsen (Atlas Obscura User)
The statue sits atop a tomb/monument built a few years after Marshall’s death, the first such monument built in California. michaelcsiemsen (Atlas Obscura User)
Photo of the actual spot where Marshall found pieces of gold.
View of the State Park below from the statue michaelcsiemsen (Atlas Obscura User)
Info sign at entrance to picnic area from parking lot. michaelcsiemsen (Atlas Obscura User)
56
36
Top Places in California
John Sowden House. (Wikimedia Commons)
John Sowden House
Los Angeles, California
Salton Sea History Museum
Mecca, California
Neverland Ranch
Santa Ynez, California
 See All
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding James Marshall Monument with additional information or photos.

California boasts many historic sites that pay homage to the Gold Rush of 1849, but this is the site of the actual first discovery of gold in 1848 that brought the so-called “49ers.” This monument to the discoverer, James Wilson Marshall, sits on a hill overlooking the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. One of the statue’s hands points to the spot where he found the gold.

Marshall, who helped design and construct a sawmill at the site, never profited from the gold discovery.

gold gold rush mining statues
Nearby
Wakamatsu Farm
2.08 miles
Foresthill Bridge
11.64 miles
The Statues of Ken Fox
12.35 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Site of memorial plaque
Placerville, California

Wakamatsu Farm

This short-lived tea and silk farm is believed to be the first permanent Japanese settlement in North America.
The Foresthill Bridge and the bridge it was meant to replace.
Auburn, California

Foresthill Bridge

The tallest bridge in California was constructed for a project that was eventually cancelled.
The Statues of Ken Fox
Auburn, California

The Statues of Ken Fox

Dentist's hated concrete colossi are now beloved icons of the community.
Folsom, California

Mormon Island

This former boomtown "island" is now submerged below Folsom Lake.
Related Places
Widgiemooltha Golden Eagle Nugget
Widgiemooltha, Australia

Widgiemooltha Golden Eagle Nugget

A roadside replica of the largest single piece of gold ever found in Western Australia.
Sam Summer's Hut
Mount Creighton, New Zealand

Sam Summers Hut

This small stone hut was once home to a gold prospector and his family.
Entrance to mine with slag heaps in distance.
Creswick, Australia

New Australasian No. 2 Deep Lead Gold Mine

The site of a tragic mining disaster in 1882.
McCarthy panned for gold, and was also a patriotic newspaper editor
Los Angeles, California

'Dan the Miner'

Murder, searching for gold, and being cut in half—the memorial statue of Daniel O. McCarthy and the Pioneers of '49
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web