Coloma, CA

Birthplace of the Gold Rush

The birthplace of America’s gold rush lies among ancient oak and pines on the winding South Fork of the American River in Coloma, Calif.

Though John Sutter settled the region intending to build an empire from his various mill enterprises, the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill by his partner, James Marshall, in January of 1848, set the stage for the beginnings of the Wild West. Originally named Culluma—meaning beautiful valley—Coloma became a gold seeker’s paradise and a boomtown overnight. Newspaper headlines caught the eye of millions who subsequently descended upon the sleepy community.

In some respects the gold rush crippled the West’s economy. It wasn’t only Sutter who lost his entire workforce to the gold fields. Two San Francisco newspapers even went under, when all employees rushed out to the cry of “Gold!” Schools closed when trustees and teachers alike streamed after the yellowish metal, and crewmen aboard hundreds of ships deserted their vessels when word spread of the boom. From around the world they came to dig the rivers and mines of California’s foothills.

Virginia Fancher, 86, whose family has owned Coloma property for more than 100 years, was educated through the eighth-grade in the town’s one-room schoolhouse and recalls hearing about the legendary Marshall.

“I can remember my mother talking about Marshall’s funeral,” Fancher says. “Everyone wanted to attend because he discovered gold. My mother had to wear her new Mary Jane shoes, which hurt her feet.” A monument marking Marshall’s grave was built in 1889. Ironically, neither Sutter nor Marshall grew rich from gold.

About 350,000 yearly visitors frequent the scenic countryside of sloping green lawns, winding rivers, and handsome farmhouses, estimates Ken Simmons, superintendent of the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Reflecting on the gold rush, Simmons says it was a time of rich cultural history for Coloma, with Uncle Sam uncharacteristically stepping aside for the prospecting entrepreneur. “The government said the gold belongs to the finder.”

Visitors are curious to know if anyone famous is buried in historic Pioneer Cemetery, with graves that date back to 1849. “The gold rush was a melting pot of diverse populations,” Simmons adds. “Some are buried here, but most left for cities like San Francisco.” The site is the final resting place for 600 California settlers, a few of whom are mentioned below:

Nancy Gooch (1811-1901)—Former slave who crossed the plains by wagon train determined to make her fortune in the mother lode. She cooked for miners, saved her money, and eventually sent for her son, Andrew Monroe. Over time, the Monroes acquired most of the land in Coloma. Pearly Monroe, also buried in Pioneer Cemetery, dug the gravesite for James Marshall. Pearly was schooled at the Coloma School when it was illegal for blacks to attend school with white children. Eventually, Pearly sold his land to the state park.

Nathan Hawk (1823-1910)—Served in the Mexican War. Known for his legendary ride to fame when he rode horseback to Missouri delivering newspapers filled with headlines of gold’s discovery in Coloma.

Robert Chalmers—Scotland native who arrived in Coloma in 1850 and served as county treasurer (later as a state legislator). Chalmers owned historic Vineyard House, currently a local bed & breakfast.

Three years ago, Coloma hosted the world gold panning championships on the banks of the South Fork of the American River, commemorating the 150-year anniversary of Marshall’s discovery at the actual site where gold was first found.

Today, numerous historic buildings, replicas, and artifacts dot the landscape. The jail, general store, two of California’s first churches, and the blacksmith shop are perennial attractions. Nearly 70 percent of Coloma, home to more than 200 residents, is housed within the state historic park.

From scenic hikes along the rugged Monroe Trail to an old-fashioned 1850s Christmas to guided cemetery tours and horse-drawn-carriage weddings that wind along the quaint narrow streets—Coloma continues to be an idyllic treasure.

Nancy Duncan is a freelance writer who lives outside of Coloma, Calif.

Upload Your Own Stories, Photos and Videos

Every week, American Profile magazine brings you stories that celebrate the people and places that make America great. Now we want to hear your stories and see your photos, videos and even audio.

 Start Uploading Now!

 

Discuss this Article