Roadside Attraction
The Spirit of Sacramento: an abandoned riverboat with a fascinating tale
Sitting along the Garden Highway is an incredible roadside attraction with a fascinating tale. This giant paddlewheel boat (the Spirit of Sacramento) was originally created as a snagboat, but went on to star in a Hollywood film, was owned by John Wayne and eventually provided hundreds of cruises up and down the Delta River. At …...
Lover’s Leap: El Dorado County’s natural landmark with a tragic tale
For anyone who’s traveled along Highway 50 to or from Lake Tahoe, Lover’s Leap is an unmistakable landmark that jumps out from the Eldorado National Forest on the south side of the river as if it were waving to a friend passing by. This granite cliff is not only a magnificent scenic location just above …...
Clarksburg’s mighty Cornish house and the tale of George F. Cornish
150 years ago, George F. Cornish and his wife Mary made their way to Yolo County, California, with the aspirations of a better life for them and their future family. In 1868, they built a magnificent house along the banks of the Sacramento River, near the town of Clarksburg. Over time, the Cornish house was …...
The Maiden’s Grave: A story of hope, loss and mistaken graves
Located on Highway 88 a few miles west of Silver Lake and Tragedy Spring, is a grave that symbolizes “broken dreams and hope” and a story that draws thousands of visitors to this location every year. This final resting place has become a monument known as the Maiden’s Grave, but there’s a catch, this is …...
The Murderous Tale of Tragedy Spring and the Mormon Emigrant Trail
In the spring of 1848, the decision to return home to Salt Lake Valley was made and roughly four dozen veterans of the Mormon Battalion informed their employer John Sutter that they would be leaving. After spending nearly a year in the employment of Sutter at his fort and at his sawmill in Coloma, where …...
The Bullion Bend Robbery: El Dorado County’s infamous stagecoach robbery
From 1856 to 1913, there were roughly 460 reported stage coach robberies in California. Perhaps, none more memorable or significant than The Bullion Bend Robbery. This legendary crime was the result of the Civil War spilling over into California which led to a shootout, the killing of a sheriff, a statewide manhunt and one of …...
The Butte Store: a historical reminder of the forgotten Butte City
Along Highway 49 in Amador County, stands a historic structure too proud to fade into the past like the town it was once a part of. The Butte Store, which was constructed in the 1850’s, is nothing more than four walls seemingly out of place with today’s landscape. But, if you look close enough, this …...
Bufano Peace Statue Monument: The Expanding Universe at Timber Cove
Located behind the Timber Cover Resort, along the rugged Sonoma County coast of California, stands a statue that seemingly looks out of place. Despite its contrasting appearance to the coastal landscape, the story behind this artistic masterpiece, known as The Expanding Universe or Madonna of Peace, only proves that it’s right where it...
The Barn: West Sacramento’s instant iconic structure
Located on the waterfront of West Sacramento is quite possibly one of the coolest and most unique buildings I have ever seen. Simply called The Barn, this structure is more than just a building, it’s a “sculptural object” seen as a catalyst to change the once lifeless waterfront into a thriving multicultural housing, retail and...
Silvina’s Basket mural is a warm welcome to Woodland
Public murals are often subject to polarizing opinions. One side may find them to be artistic and beneficial to a town or community, while the other side might believe that these murals detract and destroy. The public debate was very intense over the following mural that was placed on the side wall of Silvina’s Basket on Main...
