Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
On January 24, 1848, James Marshall made an accidental discovery at Sutter's Mill on the South Fork of the American River that ended up being the most important historic event in California history. Marshall had discovered gold and soon the California gold rush was underway, one of the largest migrations in human history.
Around the area where gold was discovered, the town of Coloma sprung up. Like most gold rush towns, its peak was short, but for a brief time it was the place where nearly everyone coming to California was headed.
In this video we visit the site of Sutter's Mill, explore the town of Coloma, and check out the Marshall Monument, the final resting place of the man who discovered the gold and set everything in motion.
Our video on the first gold discovery in California at Placerita Canyon: youtu.be/up-fdqnFfJQ
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►Music in this video is from Epidemic Sounds; use our link for a free trial: share.epidemicsound.com/v927fj
On January 24, 1848, James Marshall made an accidental discovery at Sutter's Mill on the South Fork of the American River that ended up being the most important historic event in California history. Marshall had discovered gold and soon the California gold rush was underway, one of the largest migrations in human history.
Around the area where gold was discovered, the town of Coloma sprung up. Like most gold rush towns, its peak was short, but for a brief time it was the place where nearly everyone coming to California was headed.
In this video we visit the site of Sutter's Mill, explore the town of Coloma, and check out the Marshall Monument, the final resting place of the man who discovered the gold and set everything in motion.
Our video on the first gold discovery in California at Placerita Canyon: youtu.be/up-fdqnFfJQ
○ Gear we use: amazon.com/shop/sidetrackadventures
►Join us on Patreon: patreon.com/SidetrackAdventures
►Please subscribe for weekly updates showcasing some of our adventures: youtube.com/channel/UCdueDRFYPVgzPAAOM_bxVWA?sub_confirmation=1
►Also please follow Sidetrack Adventures on Instagram: instagram.com/sidetrackadventures
►Music in this video is from Epidemic Sounds; use our link for a free trial: share.epidemicsound.com/v927fj
