Plaque Inscription:
Francisco López made California's first authenticated gold discovery on March
9, 1842. While gathering wild onions near an oak tree in Placerita Canyon he found gold particles clinging to the roots of
the bulbs. The San Fernando placers and nearby San Feliciano Canyon were worked by Sonoran miners using panning, sluicing
and dry washing methods. Lopez's find predated James Marshall strike at Sutter's Mill by six years.
Location: Los Angeles County. Site:
Placerita Canyon State and County Park, Placerita Canyon Rd, 4.6 mi NE of Newhall (Los Angeles)
Plaque:
SE corner I-5 and Lyons Ave, Newhall
GPS Coordinates for site: 34.22.42N - 118.33.47W (Calsign)
Text and lyrics available on ‘Songs Of The Southern California Mines’ –
rfm# 047
