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| Landmark #432 | Tuolumne County | Visited: June 27, 2015 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | A well placed plaque commemorating the town of Springfield! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: Springfield received its name from the abundant springs gushing from limestone boulders. The town with its stores, shops, and hotel built around a plaza once boasted 2,000 inhabitants. It is believed to have been founded by Dona Josefa Valmesada, a Mexican woman of means with the reputation of aiding Americans in the war with Mexico. During the town’s heyday, 150 miners’ carts could be seen on the road, hauling gold-bearing dirt to Springfield springs for washing.
OTHER TIDBITS: Springfield was one of four cities that were incorporated during the Gold Rush era. Incorporation means that this was a collection of homes and businesses that banded together to become a single, unified city! Springfield set itself apart from other Gold Rush communities by having a Temperance Society, a debating society, and a Cotillion Club, to promote culture and good behavior among the miners! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: At intersection of Springfield and Horseshoe Bend Rds 1.1 mi SW of Columbia, CA 95370 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~332mi (535km) — 5.6hrs |
| When should I go? | Whenever the mood strikes you! |