About

What's Happening

Dig In!

Events

Coloma Nugget

Join Us!

Gold Rush Mercantile

Contact

Links

Home

Gold Discovery Resources

California Gold Discovery

"Learn California" Website - An electronic resource for students, teachers and anyone else interested in California history. This easy to use site combines the collections of the California State Archives with the power of the Internet to bring you reliable and entertaining information about the Golden State.

California Council for the Promotion of History - The California Council for the Promotion of History is a statewide nonprofit organization founded in 1977 as a state committee of the National Coordinating Committee for the Promotion of History. It has grown to represent almost every area of historical activity in California: government agencies, businesses, archives, local historical societies, museums, private consulting, and colleges and universities, and other educational institutions.
The purpose of CCPH is to foster, facilitate, and coordinate efforts which enhance appreciation of historical heritage, application of history skills in the public and private sectors, and ensure the preservation, interpretation, and management of California's historical resources. CCPH represents historians and historical resources before government agencies, sponsors an annual awards program, advertises employment opportunities, and fosters cooperative action with other California heritage organizations.

Clunes-Coloma Sister City Association - This Association was set up to create a relationship between two goldfield towns - Clunes in Regional Victoria, Australia and Coloma, California in the United States. You will find information about the association and its goals, as well as many facts about both Clunes and Coloma.

Gold Rush Sesquicentennial - From the Sacramento Bee, articles and photographs about California's history and life during Gold Rush times.

Historic Highway 49.com - Historichwy49.com was designed to preserve and share the heritage and rugged beauty of Hwy 49 and the Gold Country, one of California's most precious resources. Search this site to learn about Gold Rush history. Visitors will also find helpful traveling information to explore this region.

PBS "The West": Sutter's Mill - From the 8-part Ken Burns documentary, "The West," which premiered on PBS stations in September 1996, a map showing Sutter's Mill and Coloma. The site includes a multimedia guided tour which proceeds chapter-by-chapter through each episode in the series, offering selected documentary materials, archival images and commentary, as well as links to background information and other resources.

California Parks

Empire Mine State Historic Park - Empire Mine State Historic Park is the site of one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest and richest gold mines in California. Located in Grass Valley, the park has been in existence for more than 100 years and has produced 5.6 million ounces of gold before closing in 1956. Empire Mine SHP contains many of the mine's buildings, the owner's home and restored gardens, as well as the entrance to 367 miles of abandoned and flooded mine shafts. The park consists of 805 acres, including forested backcountry and eight miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Gold Bug Park - This 61 acre historic site is located in the heart of Placerville, California. Attractions include the Joshua Hendy Stamp Mill and the Hattie Museum and Gift Shop providing historical exhibits, books, and souvenir items. There are over two miles of hiking trails and picnic areas. Tours and schedules are available.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park - Coloma. Official web site of this state park, located near the American River where James Marshall originally discovered gold in 1848, triggering the California Gold Rush.

Coloma-Lotus Organizations

Coloma-Lotus Chamber of Commerce - Individuals and businesses dedicated to promoting business and community in the Coloma-Lotus Valley. Find out what this organization does for the community and how to become a part of it.

Coloma-Lotus Valley Community Association - Group of residents focuses on the quality of life in the Coloma-Lotus area, including open space, trails and historic preservation.

Local Accommodations

American River Inn - Georgetown, CA. Bed & Breakfast Resort and Conference Center. Located in the heart of the Gold Country. Built in the middle of the 19th century this historic Queen Anne-style bed & breakfast inn is complete with old fashioned hospitality and turn-of-the-century antique furnishings. Choose from 13 elegant Country Victorian rooms and suites for a romantic getaway in the mountains. Also available for corporate retreats.

Camino Hotel Bed and Breakfast - Originally known as Seven Mile, the town of Camino has been a haven for homesteaders, loggers and weary wayfarers since 1858. This artfully restored lodge has played a prominent role in the historic mill town since 1888. The Pony Express and Wagon Train still stop here each year. With nine comfortable guest rooms, a large parlor with coffee/tea and homemade chocolate chip cookies, second floor sun porch, wine tasting room and in-house masseuse, the inn has a warmth and character all its own.

Coloma Country Inn Bed and Breakfast - Coloma, CA. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento, The Coloma Country Inn bed and breakfast provides the perfect setting for an exciting family adventure or a romantic getaway for two. Built in 1852, this charming country farmhouse is located on five private acres in the middle of a 300-acre California State Historic Park. Each of the five rooms is individually decorated, featuring turn-of-the-century antiques, handmade quilts, and fresh flowers. When you visit the Inn, you can explore the exhibits and ruins of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Enjoy the thrills of whitewater rafting, mountain biking or hiking. Try your luck at gold panning. Go wine tasting at some of the many wineries in El Dorado County, browse the antique shops and galleries in old town Placerville, or cruise up to Apple Hill to enjoy just-picked fruits, fresh baked goods and locally handcrafted items.

Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast Inn - Placerville, CA. This 1902 Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast in Placerville's Historic District provides a taste of rich heritage inside and out. This beautifully restored residence offers three deluxe guest rooms, each with its own theme and private bath. Walking distance from restaurants on Historic Main Street in Placerville.

The Historic Cary House Hotel - Placerville, CA. (530) 622-4271
With 34 guest rooms, which include kitchenettes and suites; a conference room and gift shop, The Cary House is the perfect venue for your stay in the gold country. Located right on Main Street in Placerville.

Local Restaurants

Casa Ramos Mexican Restaurant - Placerville, CA. (530) 622-2303
Located next door to the Placerville Best Western. We recommend the Pollo A La Crema and be careful not to eat too much of their tasty Chips/Salsa, their servings are HUGE! Enjoy the sports bar or tradtional seating. Strolling Mariachis on Wednesday nights!

Cozmic Café - Placerville, CA. (530) 642-8481
In the historic Pearson Sodaworks Building, the Cozmic Café serves wholesome organic foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The upstairs bar serves microbrews and top-notch local wines. It's also a terrific music venue.

Sierra Rizing Bakery & Coffee House - Lotus, CA. (530) 642-1308
Quite possibly the best bakery in the Gold Country! They have an amazing selection of baked goods and freshly brewed/locally roasted coffee on hand. You can start off with a cup of Organic Sumatra & a White Crumb Berry Muffin, maybe even some Bread Pudding as well. A great place to meet friends in cozy surroundings.

Thai Style Fine Dining - Cameron Park, CA. (530) 677-5220
One of the best Thai restaurants in the area. Be sure to try the Angel Wings and one of their amazing Curry dishes. Enjoy their great service while enjoying a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.

Tijuana Taqueria Mexican Food and Take-Out - Placerville, CA. (530) 622-9517
For the most authentic Mexican food in the Mother Lode. Family operated and very popular with visitors and locals alike. Casual order-at-the-counter, menu-on-the-wall setting with both indoor and outdoor seating. If you've been feeling nostalgic about your road trip south of the border, you will feel better after eating here.

Tomei's Restaurant & Bar - Placerville, CA. (530) 626-9766
Great upscale dining, a full service bar and an excellent wine selection, make this restaurant a local favorite. Located on historic Main Street.

Park Related Organizations

California State Parks Foundation - California State Parks Foundation is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and advocating for California's magnificent state parks.

Save Our State Parks Campaign - California's proposed 2008-09 budget would close 48 of California's state parks and take lifeguards away from 16 state beaches. Join the Save Our State Parks Campaign and help stop these closures of our treasured state parks!

Places to Visit During Your Stay

American River Conservancy and Nature Center - This organization provides quality nature programs to thousands of school age children each year, as well as conducts monthly nature walks, seasonal docent training, and many other popular programs for local communities. ARC's mission is to protect and enhance natural habitats where biodiversity can flourish; and to promote, through environmental education, a broad ethic of stewardship, assuring healthy ecosystems now and for future generations. ARC acquires critical wildlife and plant habitat by purchasing or accepting donations of land from willing landowners.

Coloma Valley - Lots of information about the Coloma-Lotus area, including history, a calendar of events, maps, places to eat and to stay, and other services.

El Dorado County Historical Museum - This site gives information on the Museum's exhibits featuring displays and artifacts from El Dorado County's history, the Museum Research Library, and information for other local museums and related organizations.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park - Official web site of this state park, located near the American River where James Marshall originally discovered gold in 1848, triggering the California Gold Rush.

Regional Visitor Sites

El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce - Dedicated to preserving the quality of life in El Dorado County by advocating and promoting a strong, healthy and diverse business community. Explore this website for a calendar of events, business directory, relocation information, schools, clubs and organizations, wedding services, and visitor resources.

El Dorado County Visitors Authority - Geared to assist visitors to El Dorado County. Find information on shopping, arts and crafts, history, events, accommodations, directions, recreation, farms, ranches, wineries, and more. Find online access to the El Dorado County Farm Trails & Visitor's Guide, and an easy menu to search for a wide range of visitor information.

ElDoradoCounty.Net - This on-line guide offers information for El Dorado County including history, visitor and community information, photo galleries and maps. You will also find a section for families, kids and seniors, a business directory and classifieds.

Historic Highway 49.com - Here visitors will find helpful traveling information exploring California's Historic Highway 49 in the Gold Country of the Sierra Foothills. Find a multitude of links for quaint bed and breakfasts, shops lining historic main streets, award winning wineries, fine restaurants, antique and gift stores, art galleries, golf courses, and recreational activity information. Also, search this site to learn about Gold Rush History and how you or your family can "travel back in time" when visiting this historic region.

Shopping

Gold Rush Mercantile - Located in the Visitor's Center at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, the Mercantile opens daily at 10 am and closes 1/2 hour after the Museum. For more information contact 530.344.1895. Amble through this historic Park to the welcoming doors of the Gold Rush Mercantile where you will be greeted by our friendly staff and also find period clothing - pants, shirts, suspenders and hats for the gentlemen - aprons and bonnets for the ladies, a large selection of books on Gold Rush history, music, toys for children, and genuine gold nuggets. Can't make it to Coloma? Visit our online shopping site at https://www.marshallgold.org/mercantile/

The River Store - 1032 Lotus Road, Lotus. (530) 626-3435
Kayaking & Rafting gear, river sports equipment & accessories. On water and off water clothing, maps, books.

Teacher's Tools

The California Mineral Education Foundation - The California Mineral Education Foundation (CMEF), a charitable, non-profit education corporation, was founded in 1991 to develop and administer mineral education programs for K-12 teachers. CMEF is operated exclusively for educational purposes. The California Mineral Education Foundation offers links to websites that provide teaching resources such as posters, videos, mineral kits and general information. CMEF also offers links to websites known to have lesson plans available.

[back to top]