Entry No. 40 — the Sacramento file — filed under: history

Coloma Jail Ruins

Located within Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, these stone ruins are all that remain of El Dorado County's third jail, completed in 1856. Built of thick granite blocks and steel to hold Gold Rush-era criminals, the prison was decommissioned in 1862 and partially dismantled for building materials. Today, the weathered stone walls and a nearby rusted iron cell stand in an open field as a testament to frontier justice.

The move: Take a historic stroll through the state park to photograph the weathered stone ruins and the rusted iron cell, then enjoy a scenic picnic nearby along the South Fork of the American River.

📍 Before you go The ruins are located within the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, which is open daily to the public for a vehicle day-use fee.

• 📍 Placerville
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 324 Back St, Placerville, CA 95667, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: parks.ca.gov · hmdb.org

last checked: 2026-07-20