Gold discovered here in 1853, and by 1856 weekly production was estimated at one hundred thousand dollars. Total value of gold produced up to 1880 placed at twenty million dollars. The town was destroyed by fire in 1857 and again in 1862 but each time was rebuilt with more substantial buildings. Last big fire 1920 destroyed most of town.

State Registered Landmark No 401

Tablet placed by California Centennials Commission
Base furnished by Placer County Historical Society
Originally dedicated August 27, 1950
Replaced and rededicated July 4, 1976 by the Placer County Historical Society and Iowa Hill Community Club