About Gold Discovery Park Association
Visit the Gold Discovery Site! 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 migration of people in the Western Hemisphere and was the spark that ignited the spectacular growth of the West during the ensuing decades. In 1848, James W. Marshall found shining flecks of gold in the tailrace of the sawmill he was building in partnership with John Sutter. This discovery changed the course of California's and the nation's history. See a replica of the original sawmill and over 20 historic buildings including a mining exhibit, Chinese store exhibits and schoolhouse exhibit. Visitors have the opportunity to pan for gold in the American River and enjoy hikes and picnics under the riparian oak woodlands. The Gold Discovery Park Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the interpretation and conservation of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Open hours
Open Daily
Address
310 Back Street
Coloma, CA, 95613
