The plaque reads:

Woodfords Station

Historic Woodfords Station, the eastern Sierra gateway to the goldfields of California, way station of the famed pony express, and entrance to Carson Pass on the Emigrant Trail to the Sacramento Valley. Beginning in 1849 with the building of the "Sign of the Elephant" hotel by Daniel Woodfords, it was the first settlement in what today is Alpine County. In 1854 Willis P. Merrill opened a trading post in the area and later a hotel and store.

Dedicated in truth, liberty and toleration July 7 2001
By the
Grand Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West
William E. Harris, Grand President

Woodfords Station is also California Historical Landmark 805.