Coloma in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Sutter Mill Replica
This replica of Sutter’s Mill was based on research from many sources – a drawing by James Marshall, an old photograph of the mill, and the results of several excavations made on the original mill site. The building is 60 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 39 feet high, and 80,000 board feet of lumber were used in construction. The structure is assembled with wooden pegs – no nails were used. As in the original mill, all timbers were adzed by hand. The replica was placed here because the original site is now inundated. The Placerville Lumber Company donated much of the material and the El Dorado County Historic Society raised funds for its construction.
Erected 1968 by James W. Marshall Chapter No.49, E Clampus Vitus on January 20, 1968.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 48.096′ N, 120° 53.537′ W. Marker was in Coloma, California, in El Dorado County. Marker could be reached from State Highway 49. Marker is located at eastern end of the parking area at the mill site. (Next to the Mormon Cabin). Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Coloma CA 95613, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Mormon Workers Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Sutter Mill Timbers (within shouting distance of this marker); Chinese Miners of the Mother Lode (within shouting distance of this marker); Chinese Stores (within shouting distance of this marker); James W. Marshall (within shouting distance of this marker); Nelson Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Wintermantel's Miner's Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); California Stamp Mill (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coloma.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Please see this Sutter's Mill Site marker for more information.
Also see . . .
1. The Discovery of Gold in California, by Gen. John A. Sutter. Museum of the City of San Francisco Website entry (Submitted on October 7, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. California Department of Parks and Recreation Website entry:
The replica of Sutter's Mill is located on the American River within Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. (Submitted on October 14, 2008.)
Additional commentary.
1. Sutter Mill Replica
This particular replica will be on display until 2011, after which the Department of Parks and Recreation will replace it with a new replica that will more closely approximate the original design and construction of the original mill.
— Submitted October 14, 2008.
2. Marker Missing
After speaking with several park rangers and maintenance staff, no one knows what happened to the marker. It is believed it may have been removed when a new mill replica was constructed a short distance to the north, and the original was torn down. There are numerous resin interpretive panels surrounding the new mill replica, but no plaque.
— Submitted January 22, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 4,963 times since then and 88 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week October 12, 2008. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 7, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on March 15, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 5, 6. submitted on October 7, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on February 1, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California.