top of page
Writer's picturegoldrushwax

Coloma, California: The Heart of the Gold Rush

Updated: May 19

The year was 1848, and the rush had just begun. All that glitters isn’t always gold. But, if you were lucky, your trusty compass pointed you in the direction of the small town of Coloma, along the banks of the South Fork River. Find fortune in our luxurious fragrance that pays homage to the mysterious town of Coloma, the destination of explorers seeking golden futures. The opulent aroma of pressed French lavender and resinous Egyptian amber impart a sense of splendor. Contrasting essence of tonka bean, herbaceous sage, and extract of myrrh embrace the raw simplicity of bygone days. Travel back to an era when you didn’t need to be wealthy to feel like you had it all.


A Glimpse into the Past: Coloma, California

Nestled along the banks of the South Fork River between Sutter’s Mill and Mormon Island is Coloma, California—the first important mining town of the 1848 gold rush days. It was here, on the South Fork River, that James Marshall first discovered the gold that ignited the great California Gold Rush. News of this monumental find spread rapidly, and by the time it reached San Francisco, thousands began to flood the area, all eager to stake their claims and seek their fortunes.

On February 18, 1850, El Dorado County was created, with Coloma selected as the first county seat. This was a significant moment, as just seven months later, California became the 31st state in the Union. However, by 1854, the county seat was moved to Placerville, where it has remained for the past 150 years.

Coloma’s Historical Significance

Coloma holds a pivotal place in California’s history. As the birthplace of the Gold Rush, it was a magnet for prospectors and adventurers from around the world. The town quickly transformed from a quiet settlement into a bustling hub of activity, teeming with miners, merchants, and pioneers. The discovery at Sutter’s Mill not only put Coloma on the map but also played a crucial role in shaping the future of California and the United States as a whole.

Exploring Coloma Today

Today, Coloma is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Gold Rush era. Visitors can explore Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where the famous discovery site is preserved. The park offers a glimpse into the past with its historic buildings, exhibits, and living history programs that bring the Gold Rush to life. Walking through Coloma, you can almost hear the echoes of the past—the clinking of tools, the murmur of hopeful prospectors, and the rush of the river that once promised riches.

Coloma in Our Fragrance

Our Gold Rush Wax fragrance, inspired by Coloma, captures the essence of this historic town. The luxurious blend of pressed French lavender and resinous Egyptian amber conveys a sense of opulence, reminiscent of the treasures sought by the gold seekers. Meanwhile, the contrasting notes of tonka bean, herbaceous sage, and extract of myrrh evoke the raw, untamed beauty of the early days of the Gold Rush. Lighting this candle is like taking a journey back in time, to an era when every flicker of light could spark a dream of prosperity.


Coloma, California, stands as a symbol of hope, adventure, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Our homage to this storied town through our carefully crafted fragrance invites you to experience a piece of history in your own home. Let the scent transport you to the days of the Gold Rush, where the promise of fortune and the spirit of discovery were ever-present.



Available in 10 oz Coconut Soy Wax Candles, 3oz Candles and soy wax Melts: https://www.goldrushwax.com/product-page/coloma-fragrance-lavender-sage-black-amber-myrrh-and-egyptian-musk

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page