Founded June 1851 - commonly called 'Virginia.' Over two thousand miners worked rich deposits. Captain John Bristow built California's first railroad, 1852, carrying pay dirt to Auburn Ravine, a distance of one mile. Site of Philip Armour's and George Aldrich's butcher shop, said to have led to founding of famous Chicago Armour meat packing company.

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 400

Marker placed by California Department of Natural Resources in co-operation with the Placer County Historical Society and the County of Placer.
Dedicated September 28, 1952