Nestled in the heart of gold country is the small town of Coloma, California. Coloma's claim to fame is the discovery of gold by James Marshall in 1848, when he found some gold flecks in the South Fork of the American River while building a sawmill for John Sutter. This discovery launched the California Gold Rush and soon, people from all over the world were flocking to Coloma is hopes of becoming rich.
Today, Coloma is a state park with most of the town's 200 residents living within the park. The living residents, that is. According to psychic Nancy Bradley, author of The Incredible World of Gold Rush Ghosts, there are numerous spirits who haunt this town.
Ghosts In Coloma
The Man Lee Store and the Wah Hop Store stand across from each other, just off Highway 49. One displays mining exhibits, the other, artifacts from the Chinese store that once was a staple to Coloma miners. Footsteps and strange voices have been heard late at night.
The Marshall Monument is a tribute to James Marshall. Located on at the summit of Marshall Hill, this bronze statue depicting James Marshall boasts one hand over his heart while the other points to where he struck gold. Numerous people have seen a ghostly figure here and believe it to be the spirit of James Marshall.
Bell's General Store was the only general store for miles in 1850 and patrons paid a hefty price for goods purchased. Late at night, the store's bell can still be heard ringing.
The Vineyard House
Perhaps the saddest tale of a haunting in Coloma is that of the Vineyard House. Built by Robert Chalmers, the Vineyard House was opened as both a home for Robert and his wife Louise, and as one of the finest hotels in all of Northern California. The hotel was quite a success and even played host to former president Ulysses S. Grant. Life seemed good for the Chalmers' until tragedy struck.
Robert began to lose his memory. He became quick-tempered and frightening to his family. If a grave was being dug in the cemetery across the road, Robert would climb in, lie down and place his arms across his chest.
Fearing for the safety of her family, Louise built a cell in their basement. Robert's condition worsened as he spent the rest of his life in the cell. Fearing his wife was trying to poison him, Robert stopped eating and eventually died of starvation.
There have been numerous ghostly happenings at the Vineyard House. Apparitions have been seen, voices have been heard, and faucets have turned on by themselves. Perhaps even more frightening, glasses that have shattered for no apparent reason. Many believe that Robert and Louise are still at the Vineyard House along with some past guests.
If traveling to Coloma, visitors are asked to avoid disturbing the current owners of the Vineyard House. Although it operated as a bed and breakfast for many years, the Vineyard House is now a private residence
So pack up that ghost hunting gear and get ready for a spirited good time in Coloma.
Readers may also enjoy Ghosts of Alcatraz, along with Haunted Whaley House Tour: San Diego's Spookiest Attraction
Source:
- Gold Rush Ghosts, Nancy Bradley & Robert Reppert, Morris Publishing, 2002.
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