FOLSOM, Calif. - Dec. 2, 2025 – The California Landmark Foundation, a non-profit organization, in collaboration with @The Native Daughters and Sons of the Golden West, The Bill Beaver Project, and The California Department of Parks and Recreation, is set to unveil a new state plaque for Prairie City (California Historical Landmark #464) on December 13, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. This plaque replaces the original plaque, which went missing several years ago. The site is located on the east side of Prairie City Road in Folsom, California and commemorates the site of Prairie City. The new plaque will read:
Near this spot on Alder Creek stood Prairie City, a gold rush mining town and trade center for nearby Rhoad’s Diggings, Alder Creek, and Willow Springs Hill. Mining began in 1853 after water arrived via The Natoma Water & Mining Company ditch, and a $50,000 quartz mill powered the city’s development through the 1850s. At its height, Prairie City boasted over 1,000 residents, 15 Stores, 10 boarding houses & hotels, and a school, with 2 stage lines running daily. Mining declined by 1860, and by 1880 only a school and one cabin remained. The town has since vanished.
“Across California, thieves are stealing stories for pennies on the plaque, and it takes small, determined groups like these, fighting an uphill battle, to keep California’s history alive at the places where it happened,” said Kyle Jarrett of the California Landmark Foundation.
The California Landmark Foundation welcomes everyone to attend the rededication ceremony of the new plaque which will be held at approximately 1937 Prairie City Road (map link) in present day Folsom, California on December 13, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. For parking: drive past the site on the right and take the first right uphill driveway. The driveway takes you to the parking lot of Folsom High School. From there, walk down to the plaque location, which will be marked by a US and California flag.
Location:
38°38'39.9"N 121°09'27.6"W
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DvgcEgoKM27K7jb68
