Founded in 1854 by O. W. Hollenbeck and originally called Mountain Springs. Famed for its hydraulic mines, which from 1865 to 1878 shipped $6,125,000 in gold. Five large water ditches passed through the town serving the mining companies which had to cease operations in 1882 when state law was passed prohibiting hydraulic mining.

State Registered Landmark No. 405

Tablet Placed by California Centennials Commission
Base Furnished by Placer County Historical Society
Dedicated June 25, 1950