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Geologic Trip, The Mother
Lode Sutter’s Mill This replica of Sutter’s
Mill lies along the South Fork of the American River in Marshall
Gold Discovery State Historic Park in
the town of Coloma. The
site of the original mill lies about 500 feet north of the replica. Gold was
discovered at Coloma by James Marshall in January of 1848. At the time of
discovery, Coloma was a small town on the South Fork of the American River.
Within four months of the discovery, nearly the entire population of San
Francisco had departed to prospect in the gold fields. By the end of 1849,
the population of Coloma was 10,000. Despite the efforts of all of these
prospectors, little gold was found at Coloma. By 1852, the population had
moved on, and the town declined. The State
Park includes visitor
center and many historic exhibits, sites, and buildings from the gold rush
era. Several of the buildings in Coloma date from the early and mid 1850’s,
before the gold rush began. Exterior Websites California State Parks: Coloma Valley: _____ |