El Dorado County History Early in 1848, James Marshall discovered gold on the South Fork of the American river where he was building John Sutter's sawmill. Thus began the largest mass movement of people, unparalleled in the history of the United States. Over the next decade, several thousand goldminers rushed to the Sierra Nevada foothills, seeking fame and fortune. During a period of 25 years, between 1848 and 1873, more than a billion ounces of gold were mined in the region.

Historical Museum
104 Placerville Drive
Placerville
(530) 621-5865
The museum include displays on the Gold Rush, local Native American baskets, life styles, wagons, and artifacts from the mining, agricultural, and lumbering industries.

Fountain and Tallman Museum
524 Main Street
Placerville
(530) 626-0773
Exhibits on the history of Placerville in the original 1852 Soda Works building.

History on hardrock mining in the Mother Lode, visit Gold Bug Mine.

History about the discovery of gold, visit Marshall Gold Discovery Site.