James W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848 on the South Fork of the American River in the valley the Nisenan Indians knew as Cullumah (beautiful valley). This event led to the greatest mass movement of people in the Western Hemisphere and was the spark that ignited the spectacular growth of the West during the ensuing decades. The gold discovery site, located in the still visible tailrace of Sutter's sawmill in present day Coloma, California, is one of the most significant historic sites in the nation.
The historic park is open for day use from 8 AM until 5 PM (8 PM in summer). Even if some sites are closed e.g. during the COVID period the Visitors Center, Museum and some historic buildings are open and there is much to see and do in the park. Before going, check for current updates: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=484

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Elevation 190 m

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Tuesday 16 December

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Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h

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Location: Coloma, El Dorado County, California, United States

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1. Marshall Gold Discovery SHP and Sutter's Mill via Henningsen Lotus Park

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