Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows!

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Sierra County Sheriff's Gallows
Landmark #971 Sierra County Visited: July 9, 2016 Plaque?  YES! 🙂
What is it? A plaque and restored gallows!
What makes it historical? THE GUIDE SAYS: On November 27, 1885, 20-year-old James O’Neill was hanged from this gallows for the August 7, 1884 murder of Webber Lake dairyman John Woodward. That execution, conducted by Sheriff Samuel C. Stewart approximately 100 feet west of this site, was the last legal execution in Sierra County and the only time this gallows was used. Changes in State law in 1891 ended local executions in California, and further changes in 1941 ended hanging as a means of legal execution within the state.

OTHER TIDBITS: This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places!
How can I Help the Helpers? HERE’S HOW:

  • Become a member of the Sierra County Historical Society!
  • Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
Where is this place? LISTED DIRECTIONS:
Sierra County Jail Yard
Downieville, CA 95910

ANNOTATIONS:
Galloway Street and Front Street
Downieville, CA 95910

From Los Angeles: ~489mi (787km) — 8.2hrs
From Sacramento: ~103mi (166km) — 1.8hrs
From San Diego: ~609mi (981km) — 10.2hrs
From San Francisco: ~190mi (306km) — 3.2hrs
When should I go? Whenever the mood strikes you!

Click here to see more California historical landmarks!

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