James Wilson Marshall

James Wilson Marshall (October 8, 1810 – August 10, 1885) was an American carpenter and sawmill worker. He reported finding gold at Coloma on the American River in California on January 24, 1848. This started the California Gold Rush. The mill was owned by John Sutter. Marshall had been hired to help build it.

James Wilson Marshall
James Marshall, c. 1884
Born	(1810-10-08)October 8, 1810 Hopewell Township, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	August 10, 1885(1885-08-10) (aged 74) Kelsey, California, U.S.

Gold discovery

The actual spot where Marshall first discovered the gold that started the California Gold Rush.

On the morning of January 24, 1848 Marshall was fetching water for his new-built water-powered sawmill by the river when he suddenly saw gold flakes in the water. He later said:

“

I picked up one or two pieces and examined them attentively; and having some general knowledge of minerals, I could not call to mind more than two which in any way resembled this, sulphuret of iron, very bright and brittle; and gold, bright, yet malleable. I then tried it between two rocks, and found that it could be beaten into a different shape, but not broken. I then collected four or five pieces and went up to Mr. Scott (who was working at the carpenters bench making the mill wheel) with the pieces in my hand and said, "I have found it." "What is it?" inquired Scott. "Gold," I answered. "Oh! no," replied Scott, "That can't be." I said,--"I know it to be nothing else."

”

James Wilson Marshall Media

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  The James W. Marshall House, former residence of Marshall family in Lambertville, New Jersey

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  The caption with this photo at the Library of Congress claims that this was Marshall in front of the mill in 1850. However, it was not. The historians at Marshall Gold State Historic Park have concluded that it is not Marshall and believe it to be the photographer's assistant put in the photo to show scale.

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  Marshall's cabin in Coloma, California