On Saturday, January 20, 2007, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park will celebrate “Gold Discovery Day,” the anniversary of the discovery of gold in the South Fork of the American River on January 24, 1848.
This year’s commemoration includes the reopening of the Gold Rush Museum at the Park. Visitors will be able to see the new exhibit of James Marshall in the tail race as he proclaims, “Hey boys, by God, I believe I’ve found a gold mine.”
Gold Discovery Day events always include historic demonstrations, tours, speakers, and Gold Rush music. This year’s highlights include “Gold Discovery Before the Rush,” beginning at 11 am, with a gold discovery reenactment on the banks of the American River, at the very site where James Marshall found gold in 1848, followed by interpretive presentations at the Mormon Cabin, Sutter’s Mill, and the Miner’s Cabin. “Gold Discovery Before the Rush” continues at 1 pm.
You will be able to see the site where Marshall discovered gold. At the Mormon Cabin you can watch as mill carpenters make their plans. You will see Sutter and Marshall as they meet at the mill. And at Marshall’s cabin you will be able to hear Marshall as he reflects on life after the discovery.
You’ll find more information on our Gold Discovery Day page and at the Gold Discovery Park Association website.