The Gold Rush Began Here in Coloma, California!

[@davidelack8809]

I brought my family to visit that site when my older daughter lived in Roseville. Such a neat piece of history. It would appear that Jeff got his wish without having gone in the well! Sarah is an absolute joy!

[@DKCGamerGirl]

Great episode! I don't blame Sarah for going down to investigate the sawmill. I think I'd have done the same! Sometimes you just can't fight the curiosity! 😂 That was quite an awesome looking reconstruction for sure!

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

When I was little, this is the story my grandfather told me about the start of the gold rush. He heard it from his grandfather who was one of the forty-niners. After the discovery, Marshall allowed Sutter's men at Coloma to dig for gold in their spare time, but told them to keep it secret. They took nuggets into the general store at Sutter's fort to buy whiskey, tobacco and other items. The store was run by Sam Brannan, a mormon printer who came to San Francisco several years earlier and tried to start a newspaper there. When the newspaper failed he moved to Sutter's fort and started the store. Once the nuggets started coming in, Brannan traveled all around and bought up every milk pan, shovel and pick he could find and had them shipped to Sutter's fort. When he finished buying up all the mining supplies, Brannan took his big jar of nuggets and went to San Francisco. He walked up and down the streets waving his jar of nuggets in the air and yelled "Gold, Gold has be found in the American River." Many came out and examined the nuggets and that's what started the gold rush. Brannan had the monopoly on mining supplies and charged exorbitant prices. He quickly became California's first millionaire. Marshall discovered the gold, but Brannan started the gold rush.

[@jbenziggy]

I did read that story somewhere! That would have been an amazing time period to live in but life was a lot harder then. No wonder everyone wanted to go up to the hills and see if they could get rich! Thanks for sharing!

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

@@jbenziggy My pleasure. Thanks for making the video. Was a pleasant trip back to my homeland since one of PG&E's fires ran me out of California. If you're ever around Coloma again, there's a church there where you can park in their parking lot and walk down to the river and pan for gold. Go to where the river is flat, shallow and flows under a big patch of bushes. Dig a hole as deep as you can and pan the gravel that comes up off the bottom. I did pretty good there in the old days.

[@brianfergel2229]

I lived right across from Sutter's Fort in Sacramento for a while. That Sutter Hospital sits between Sutter's Fort and the I5 freeway. Many passionate historians were out there when I was there.

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

@@brianfergel2229 Actually Sutter Hospital is between Sutter's Fort and Business 80. I5 is way over by the river.

[@considerthelilies91]

Brannon was a big mouth.

[@budinfield9746]

I grew up around this area in Marysville. We lived in Pilot Hill for awhile and some of my earliest memories are running around this park. It was nothing like it is today and was much more primitive. Sarah, I've climbed all over that old mill but I'm 65 and it was well over 50 years ago! I've dug many a bottle in these hills at old mining camps!

[@lisacrowell290]

I lived in garden valley from 1977 to 1980, I have been to Coloma many times. Thankyou for your videos

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching!

[@DianeWarren-y6i]

Just an FYI, Colma State Park has a reenactment of the Gold Rush era on 10/13, 10/14/2023.

[@kittygonzalez2827]

Jef, back in 2000, I accidentally found a fascinating site on the internet. It was a site where they had the old articles from the Mariposa Gazette Newspapers. It read like the Enquirer or a Tabloid Gossip Paper! I laughed at some of the articles about who married whom and why, the guests of Prominence, the deaths of who and how they died, often with very graphic statements by witnesses, and the number of deaths caused by rattlesnakes in those days ...in that area was really pretty high! I haven’t been able to find that exact site on the internet for a while, but wanted to mention it for people to search the net to check out. The writing styles were so different back then! And the Gossip was Grand!

[@hemichargerrt01]

I've been catching up on your older videos, Love the History!! Thanks!! Keep up the good work!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you like them!

[@royramey5659]

That big grassy lawn ' meadow , use to have a big Blue Grass get together in the early 70s , lot of fun. Just to many people started coming and they stopped it.

[@kevinr5187]

Very cool. California has so much history. Great video.

[@jbenziggy]

Yes it does! Thanks for enjoying this video!

[@pennyhill56]

Hi from the UK I love history and visiting old cemeteries I have never been to America and your history is very interesting love your videos I will keep watching them I have also subscribed 👍😁

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

Welcome! Glad to have you as a subscriber.

[@conniephillips8217]

This was not only a fun and interesting video but an absolute masterpiece! Well done my friends!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Connie!

[@richardyoung4616]

Great job Jeff, I think a lot of the time people don't appreciate the hard work involved in doing these.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! Yes, lots of hours spent in front of a camera, as well as traveling and editing behind a computer but it's a labor of love! I appreciate you appreciating our efforts! Thanks for watching!

[@davidmanley9437]

Your video's are so interesting. Obviously you put alot of work in them,and enjoy doing it.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much!

[@lornahardin4563]

I live in this area, 49 years, and where you were at the rock monument on the river, there is still a hand hewn log in the river just to the right of the monument, under water. They took some of the original hand hewn logs and placed them in the small, long shed, but left others where they lay. in the river.

[@jackieoman6695]

You have got to love Sarah's spirit ! I know i do !! It's awesome and you both work very hard for these videos and i thank you both 🇺🇸

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

Thank you for your kind words and for watching.

[@Ron-tk5zj]

Glad to see Sarah get more involved in the videos I love the California history

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much for watching! And I'm glad it kept your attention!

[@foxmulder4269]

Oh man, I could watch all these videos forever, love it..CA is so beautiful and so much early history, Thank You so much guys !!! !!!!

[@grandprixdriver]

I've been to Coloma. A lot of history I didn't know about.Great episode!

[@fredselbman3319]

I live just two miles away, and have lived in this area since 1983, and I love it here !

[@darrylnoyer2101]

I really enjoy your videos of historic Calif. I lived in Cool, Ca for almost 20 years from my property I would horse back ride down to the North Fork of the American River. Theres still rock wall standing that were built by the Chinese during the gold rush as kid my dad had a ranch in Ophir that had 2 gold mines on it. Theres still gold to be found . I have panned for in the creeks and streams in Calif. Keep up the great work. As suggestion you might want do a program on Malakoff Digging its really interesting

[@royston8044]

Watching this here in the UK, excellent video, great to see these places we only read about.

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@neilmcclain181]

Thanks again Jeff and Sara always enjoyable. Sara cracks me up, so young at heart👍

[@jbenziggy]

Sarah loves to explore places with me!

[@janblake9468]

I was here last summer. The Park brochure states and shows on a map where you can pan for gold using only a pan and hands. It's located on the east side of the river, across from replica mill.

[@leecoffman2594]

I visited there in 1964, spent all day. Very historical and interesting.

[@kathleenrobbinsartist]

Hi Jeff and Sarah, My hubby and I enjoy your video's so much. We are Californians transplanted to Northern Arizona for retirement. Many of the places you visit in California and Nevada we have been to also over the years. You both do such a super job of sharing California History and there places. Happy and Safe Travels

[@jbenziggy]

Hi Kathleen, thanks so much for reaching out with that very nice comment! Sometimes we don't know who are videos are being watched by so it's always great to hear from former Californians who can relate to these places. Videos are a lot of work but the payoff is knowing we are being appreciated! We appreciate you watching and commenting! More videos are in production!

[@kristinakahila8914]

Sara is sure blossoming as your co-host. Up-staging you with the things she does.

[@courtneyhall7140]

another great one,jeff and sarah.good work.coloma brings back a lot of great memories.i was born in placerville in 1948 at the old sanitarium.now living in nashville tennessee since 69.

[@jbenziggy]

courtney hall great comment! Thanks! Do you ever go back home?

[@courtneyhall7140]

i was back there in 15,but it was mainly a tourist trap.it was still good to see it though.i want to tell you folks how much this old man enjoys your videos.i lived in placerville and shingle springs.

[@allenthibault9523]

No!!! Sarah you have more trails ahead !🤗🤗

[@vzhojh3845]

I love Sarah's daring attitude! You two add flavor to your awesome videos. Keep up the good work. Greetings from Texas amigos.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Texas viewer person! We appreciate the support and the subscription! More of Sarah's flavor will be out in the next video!

[@barrykelly2451]

Thank you for this video. This is where I grew up. Most of my childhood memories are from the South fork of the American river.

[@jbenziggy]

You are welcome! Glad you liked!

[@halhunter1974]

Another winner Jeff and Sarah. Excellent presentation .

[@jbenziggy]

Hal Hunter thank you kind sir!

[@waynebrammer2973]

The two of you have a wonderful and educational program. I truly enjoy

[@johnnydang3r]

Did you visit or hear about the stories of the vineyard house? It’s right there on hwy 49 just before Coloma, lots of spooky stuff and stories about that building.

[@valerieduckworth1868]

Really liked this episode. For over a decade my family has camped at Coloma campground.

[@ronaldedson496]

Lived between the middle and north fork of the American River.

[@ronangevine4778]

Love the California gold rush days . Thank You 😎

[@marcieconant5559]

Great video, Jeff! Fascinating to see all the buildings and the workings of the gold mine. Impressive gravesite for Marshall. I only knew a little about Sutter's Mill from history classes in school. Thank you for filling in the gaps.💕🙂

[@cameronmccreary4758]

Jeff I saw those samples of gold in Coloma; it reminds me that in an armored vault on the ground floor of the old courthouse in Auburn, CA is a magnificent display of gold found in the local mines. I visited Coloma about thirty years ago; nice historical area. I panned around the area and found very, very small flakes. Thank you both for showing us this old place again.

[@stevenjames1951]

Thank you for this. Now I don't have to go anywhere, I can just watch your show.

[@darrylnoyer2101]

I have panned for gold in Coloma nobody try to stop me. DOWNIEVILLE CA is another very interesting gold area on the Fearther River. I believe they still mine the area

[@stevemccoy8138]

Very interesting, I will probably never see that place So Thanks for the video.

[@dwightminnich2722]

It is so great how you share and deliver your interests to others. It is gift many historians do not have.

[@jbenziggy]

Dwight Minnich thanks for your glowing comments! Much appreciated! More videos in the works!

[@ness2401]

Have you guys ever been to Sloughhouse, CA? it's a small town in Sacramento, it has an amazing history.

[@jbenziggy]

There's hardly anything there now.

[@ness2401]

@@jbenziggy True, but there's the Sloughhouse inn, some old farms, pioneer cemetery and Davis family farm, they have the best corn in Northern California. Alot of it is gone. Redevelopment has destroyed alot of farm land especially in Elk Grove and Galt, it's really sad.

[@lisaburns1660]

Great video!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks!

[@jennifermcdonald658]

I just went here today for the first time, Jeff and Sarah. It was amazing seeing the spot where gold was discovered and knowing this is what brought my father in laws family to Columbia and other areas. I wonder if his Ancestors had passed through here and decided to move on to Columbia instead of staying in Coloma. Interesting.

[@cliffordbrand5969]

I binge watch you guys so much while working in the office. Your videos are fantastic!

[@Bongo_Fury]

That’s only a few miles from my house. I drive past there all the time and hang out at the park by the river. Now I know what it’s all about. Thanks.

[@jbenziggy]

You didn't know the history of Coloma and that of James Marshall? Glad you do now! We hope you have subscribed!

[@Bongo_Fury]

History Hunters nope, I just moved here a couple years ago from Galveston, TX so I don’t know much about the local history. If you ever go to Texas you should visit Galveston. There’s a lot of history there and a really old cemetery you’ll probably enjoy. Btw, I did subscribe.

[@jupite1888]

Always great Stories and full of interesting facts. Excellent

[@giggles8458]

Thank you for another nice tour.

[@jasnonya3005]

I lived in Lotus just down the road a couple miles at the site of the old stage stop in1987, and spent about 20 years in and around Placerville. Kind of a nice treat to see my former local. Funny thing is the first gold Rush was in Dalonega Ga. The ore was so it was minted into coins. The miners left Dalonega for Colona!

[@dsinavich5141]

Great vlog ! Sarah is a daredevil isn't she ? ! Lol keep up the awesome work Jeff ! Thanks. Deborah

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

Yep! Thanks for watching!

[@fountainbiker]

These history travels amaze us Jeff & Sarah. I wasn't into history growing up but that's all changed now. I thank you for sharing your research. My wife just said "so cool!"

[@jbenziggy]

That’s so cool to hear! We love your enthusiasm! We’re out shooting more episodes this weekend! Blessings!

[@johnc.wunscheljr2873]

Across the road from the mill there is a 80ft x 80ft Indian grinding rock with lots of holes so the tribe could grind there nuts.

[@bertgroeneveld57]

So nice to see this again. Lived near Coloma, in Shingle Springs, in the eighties. Hope to visit again one day (living in Europe again for many, many years now)

[@marklawson8346]

Great video Jeff and Sarah love to see the places you take us , thanks 👍🏻

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

Thank you for your kind words and for watching!

[@suzanecrum1243]

Always enjoy your videos.Please,keep them coming! Thanks!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks so much!

[@tballstaedt7807]

Several Mormons who were once part of a military detachment in the Mexican war stayed in California were working for Sutter were picking up nuggets and not telling anyone for several weeks before gold was discovered.

[@johnkelsey2482]

Very Good....Thanks.......

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much for watching! And I'm glad it kept your attention!

[@philipcollins5440]

You two are very informative and I really enjoy all the history you do.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you!!!

[@ray7419]

Such awesome and fascinating history!! Thanks again for a fantastic video.

[@jbenziggy]

Ray D. Thank you for your fantastic compliments! It helps inspire us to go on!

[@cwb0051]

This was Wonderful, I Always Wondered, Where Gold Was Discovered, Good Job..Love the Weather too..

[@jbenziggy]

You must not be from California because the weather has been great here most of the time!

[@cwb0051]

@@jbenziggy nope, From Ohio..

[@cwb0051]

I Knew Gold was discovered in California, Just Didnt Know Where..Your on UTube, It goes All over the world etc..Im From Ohio, and we Dont have nice weather All the time, but We Are Tougher for it!!

[@davidbell4082]

I love your program please keep up the good work you guys do a outstanding job! Can't wait to see more!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! More shows are in the works!

[@RunawayGranny]

loved it ... love your videos...

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! You’re kind for commenting! We appreciate it!!!

[@dario2004]

I was here 2008 lived near by, loved this place

[@jbenziggy]

We love it too! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@pirate1970]

“Seeing the elephant.” AWESOME episode.

[@doloresvargas6450]

I love this part of California gold history.John Sutter had an intrical part in looking for gold.Tony has spoken.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Great job my friend! Your Sarah is pretty hard headed! That river was really beautiful! Would have been nice to find a nugget!

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

It actually doesn't take much to be considered a difficult woman. That's why they're are so many of us. ~Jane Goodall Nice to meet you.

[@jbenziggy]

Hi Rhetty my friend! Glad to hear from you! I caught your Bonnie and Clyde video! Cool stuff! Keep up the good work!

[@Ravelinn]

Love these Episodes.. keep up the great work

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much, Jon! That's nice to hear .... and we will keep it up!

[@Ravelinn]

@@jbenziggy we have some good history in the UK, but not really Gold Rush history. Me and my Girls Really like your Videos.. Thanks for the reply

[@shelleyUSATX]

I love what y'all do!! It looks like so much fun. Love the way you two give us so much info. Keep entertaining me! I love it!

[@jbenziggy]

Shelley M101 we’re happy to know we are doing it right! Thanks for the encouragement!

[@taramorehead296]

Also love your videos and share with my family and friends. Living here is like living in a small town in the Midwest. Huge community relationships. Nothing like you see on the news about California. I love living here in the Sierra foothills.

[@JMVideos7676]

Exceptional video quality, great editing and a superior narration style make your videos some of the most enjoyable to watch. Thanks.

[@jbenziggy]

Jeff Moffatt thank you very much. Comments like yours are what inspired us to go on in this very labor-intensive endeavor. By the way I like your name! Lol

[@raymondcoggins297]

Love love the history of the goald rush

[@jbenziggy]

Raymond Coggins ha ha! Thanks! I wish I found some goald!

[@tinabenavidez1903]

Great information

[@jbenziggy]

Tina Benavidez thank you!

[@carolynpurser7469]

Interesting seeing where a major chapter in California history began.

[@michaeltramaglino9582]

You have great knowledge about history, love that you research it for yourself. Very humble and have a great Voice for these. Would to meet you someday if you ever make it to Colorado Springs.

[@jbenziggy]

Greetings! Thanks very much! Great compliment which I appreciate! My son lived in Colorado Springs but he moved back to California. Love to take Sarah there to see your zoo!!!

[@michelebaker3457]

As always, I really appreciate and love your videos. I have never been to California and you help me learn about the history, which is fascinating.

[@normanmallory2055]

This was really good .. Very well done .. Excellent history .. I have several books on the gold rush in CA .. You both did really well covering this subject .. Makes me want to take my camera for a drive..

[@jbenziggy]

We very much appreciate your nice comments about this particular episode. We really enjoyed visiting the place that put California on the map so to speak. Thank you again Norman.

[@normanmallory2055]

@@jbenziggy Philip Varney on ghost towns /boom towns they say is very accurate on his records.. I have one of his books and 1 of his DVD. Oregon Trail subject I have 2 books and 1 DVD. California Gold rush I have 2 books and 2 DVD. Klondike gold rush I have 3 books and 1 DVD.. Old ghost towns I have one large book that covers 6 states..

[@waynewilburn3569]

very very cool and so informative thank you!!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much for watching! And I'm glad it kept your attention!

[@stevelinscome728]

Thanks! Definitely a place I've gotta stop in and see.

[@jbenziggy]

Yes definitely visit that place! It’s a great town!

[@mov1ngforward]

This was very interesting! I certainly learned a lot. We visited Sutter's Fort in 4th grade...a lifetime ago. Thanks for being so informative and making history fun.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Corgis175]

I've been to Sutter's Fort but not Coloma. Ironically I'm from NJ too as Marshall was. Very interesting vlog as usual. Love th history of CA

[@jbenziggy]

Arleen Rooney thank you! Maybe you need to come back and visit Coloma.

[@Corgis175]

Not a bad idea.

[@newtonmccarthy6227]

You guys are cool. Can't wait for the next vid !

[@jbenziggy]

Tomorrow morning the next one comes out! We try to release a new video every Sunday!

[@joshuawhitfield501]

Great Episode!

[@jbenziggy]

Joshua Whitfield thank you! One of my favorite fans!

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Thanks Jeff and Sarah, and Mr. Marshall. always amazed to see men in long coats and ties Central California watching

[@christine2220]

Wonderful video...

[@donaldhubbs4399]

THANKS...GREAT VIDEO...

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks Donald!

[@rayfarris5000]

Go to Folsom! lot of history there!!

[@danpatch4751]

Very good video, interesting as can be.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked our trip to Coloma!!!

[@lelandlee5008]

JEFF SARA JUST SERIOUSLY LOVE YOUR SHOW NO ONE ELSE CAN COMPARE FUNNY AS SOON AS KZbin NOTICED THEY PUT OTHER'S ON NOT EVEN COMING CLOSE....AS FOR JOHN MARSHALL WHAT A DAY HE MUST HAVE HAD FINDING GOLD THEN TRYING TO KEEP HIS COMPOSURE KEEPING IT A SECRET AND THEN BECOMING A BIG PART OF CALIFORNIA HISTORY...AGAIN HAVEN'T WATCHED IN A COUPLE OF DAY'S FELT I LOST CONTACT WITH SOME GOOD FRIENDS AND THAT'S HOW YOU PRESENT YOUR WORK AWESOME WHY AREN'T YOU PICKED UP BY SOME CABLE STATION IDK...

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, Leland, that is a really heartfelt message! We so appreciate your sense of friendship! You saying we are like friends is the highest compliment that anyone could pay us! We appreciate you!

[@priestesspos6629]

One of my favorite places to go to.

[@footballlvnlady]

I have to laugh at Sarah’s determination! You go girl!

[@michaelowen326]

Cool Beans!

[@taramorehead296]

I live near Placerville on highway 49. Around the boulders is where the gold deposits are. FYI

[@haroldnelson3734]

So cool! I've been there, too. Loved it!

[@jbenziggy]

Great! It's a nice place to visit and see scenery and learn history!

[@sunking2001]

I took a complete Gold Rush tour five years ago. Coloma is the birthplace. Calif. has a very rich history from our past and all of America.

[@danzoller7397]

Very cool episode !

[@jbenziggy]

Dan zoller thanks so much! I knew some Zollers in Modesto as a kid.

[@sside8]

Good video. There may not be signs to tell people not to go to a certain area but you know when there's no walkway to an old building or mill that that pretty much means that people aren't meant to go there. I would be curious too but it's not worth getting hurt bad over. Sarah's a daredevil, lol!

[@shannahuffman4655]

I use to work up there when I was a kid . We dressed up in the 1800s and gave tours .. it was so much fun

[@jbenziggy]

Sounds like you have great memories there! Awesome.!

[@shannahuffman4655]

@@jbenziggy I do and did , I still have my picture , my sister and I took while in costume . We gave Cemetery tours as well

[@websoldier4576]

You can visit James Marshall's birthplace and home where he grew up in Lambertville, New Jersey.

[@01sapphireGTS]

Great Post. One of my first girlfriends was/is a "Sutter". Her family are descendants of Mr. John Sutter of "Sutter's Mill" fame. ( They didn't inherit any gold. )

[@jbenziggy]

Wow that's a connection worth noting! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!