James W. Marshall Monument

Statue on the hillside above town, marking Marshall's grave

Address Monument Rd, Coloma, CA 95613

Up the hill above Coloma, a 10-foot bronze statue of James W. Marshall stands on a granite pedestal — one of California's earliest state monuments. The figure points down the slope to the discovery site beside the river. Marshall is buried beneath the monument.

The short access road climbs about 200 feet from town; you can drive up or walk it (15 minutes). The view across the river valley is the best in Coloma, especially in late afternoon.

things to do sight
A story
Marshall died penniless in 1885 — having spent decades trying and failing to capitalise on his discovery, including a stint selling his autograph at small fairs. The bronze statue was put up in 1890; one of its hands points down the hill toward the spot where he found the first gold flake.