Known as Gateway of Mother Lode and to Southern Mines, Gold first discovered in Tuolumne County west of this point on Woods Creek by James Woods shortly before town was founded by Col. George James, August 8, 1848. Large quantities of gold recovered from stream beds and gulches during "Gold Rush." Surrounded by famous mines from which millions were extracted in later years. First mercantile business in Southern Mines said to have been in Butterfield building, built in 1850, still standing (1948).

Tablet placed by California Centennials Commission and base provided by Jamestown Promotion Club, August 8, 1948.