Information on El Dorado County.

Marshall Gold Discovery Site Video

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is where James Marshall discovered gold as he was constructing a sawmill. The discovery of gold in 1848 changed the course of California history. This event led to the greatest mass movement of people in the Western Hemisphere.

The park has several exhibits, a museum, a replica of the sawmill and a number of historic buildings. Visitors can also bring a picnic and pan for gold in the panning boxes or try your skills in the nearby American River.

During the year there are daily sawmill demonstrations, special events and exhibits, there are education and living history programs, and Live History Days every Thursday and Friday in the Spring and Fall.