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All the United States California Folsom Mormon Island

Mormon Island

This former boomtown "island" is now submerged below Folsom Lake.

Folsom, California

Added By
joel
Email
Been Here
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Added to list
  Brian Hicks (via Flickr)
  Brian Hicks (via Flickr)
The Well   Brian Hicks (via Flickr)
  Sonny Lazzeri (Flickr)
  Brian Hicks (via Flickr)
  Jasen Strutt (via Picassa)
The Winery   Brian Hicks (via Flickr)
Miner’s Hotel and Bakery   Jasen Strutt (via Picassa)
Nighttime at Mormon Island   raisethestakeseditions.com/mormon-island/
Red Bank   Brian Hicks (via Flickr)
Nighttime at Mormon Island   raisethestakeseditions.com/mormon-island/
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About

Two months after the gold rush began with James Marshall’s discovery in Coloma, three Mormon miners made the second major gold strike 25 miles east of Sacramento on the American River.

Other prospectors followed, a substantial number of whom were of the Mormon faith, and a thriving gold rush settlement was founded. At its peak Mormon Island had a population of 2,500 and was the stopping point on the stage line between Sacramento and Coloma. There were four hotels, seven saloons, a winery, post office, school, cemetery, and numerous shops (including one operated by Sam Brannan, California’s first millionaire and the man credited with publicizing the discovery of gold, later a California Senator). But the good times soon ended when the newly built Sacramento Valley Railroad extending out to nearby Granite City (now called Folsom) and the town’s population declined. When a fire burned down most of the city in 1856 a mere 8 years after its founding, it was never rebuilt. In 1955, with the creation of Folsom Dam, the remains of the town were flooded by Folsom Lake. During dry years when the lake’s water levels are low many of the town’s remains are exposed and can be freely visited. As of January 2014, the lake's water levels are at their lowest in 37 years, meaning much, though not all, of the town's ruins are visible.

Related Tags

Boomtowns Gold Rush Lakes Underwater Water

Community Contributors

Added By

leiris

Edited By

Rachel, Kevin OKeeffe, jules, jbsimmons211...

  • Rachel
  • Kevin OKeeffe
  • jules
  • jbsimmons211
  • neonconflagrations

Published

January 27, 2014

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Sources
  • http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ListedResources/Detail.aspx?num=569
  • http://www.myfolsom.com/resident-guide/folsom-history/mormon-island
  • http://www.folsomlakemarina.com/Mormanisland.html
  • http://www.folsomhistorymuseum.org/1mining_towns.htm
Mormon Island
Green Valley Road
Folsom, California, 95630
United States
38.702139, -121.115011
Visit Website
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Folsom Prison Museum

Folsom, California

miles away

The Folsom Powerhouse

Folsom, California

miles away

Wakamatsu Farm

Placerville, California

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Folsom

Folsom

California

Places 3

Nearby Places

Folsom Prison Museum

Folsom, California

miles away

The Folsom Powerhouse

Folsom, California

miles away

Wakamatsu Farm

Placerville, California

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Folsom

Folsom

California

Places 3

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