Started in 1848 by soldiers of Colonel Stevenson's regiment. Named by miners because of apparent volcanic appearance. Here the first California rental library, 1850, was established, and one of the first "Little Theaters" founded by the "Volcano Thespian Society," 1854. Interesting Civil War history.

Historical Landmark No. 29
Department of Public Works - Division of Highways

1934 plaque placed in Pine Grove as "obituary" when planned dam would flood Volcano. Geology and water rights negated plan. So Volcano didn't drown.

NOT BY A DAM SITE!

Dedicated July 5, 1980
Volcano Business & Professional Association
James W. Marshall Chapter No. 49
E Clampus Vitus
Upcountry 88 Lions

Discovered in 1848 by Colonel Stevenson's men who mined Soldiers' Gulch. In '49, first covered wagon party sluiced rich gravel beds. By '53, men swarmed flats and gulches naming them picturesquely. Hydraulic operations begun in '55, brought thousands of fortune seekers to form town of 17 hotels, library, theaters, and courts of quick justice. During Civil War, Volcano gold served the Union; "Volcanic Blues" smuggled cannon "Old Abe" in by hearse, to quell rebels. Mellow with memories, the birthplace of General Liversedge, whose Marines raised our flag on Iwo Jima, honors its Heroes with annual pageantry in Soldiers' Gulch.

Amador County Historical Society.
1948.

This plaque is in commemoration of two soldiers of a party from Stevenson's New York Regiment who discovered Volcano Valley in late 1848 and camped here in Soldier Gulch through a harsh winter. Their bodies were discovered in the spring and buried somewhere here by a party of Mexicans.

May these pioneers rest in peace
Dedicated on June 6, 1959
By
James W. Marshal Chapter E.C.V.