Francisco Lopez made California’s first authenticated gold discovery on March 9, 1842, when, while gathering wild onions near an oak tree in Placerita Canyon, he found gold particles clinging to the roots of the bulbs. The San Fernando placers and nearby San Feliciano Canyon were worked by Sonoran miners using panning, sluicing, and dry washing methods. Lopez’s find predated James Marshall’s strike at Sutter’s Mill by six years.

Photo: Craig Baker

Photo: Syd Whittle

Photo: Syd Whittle

Photo: Syd Whittle

Photo: Syd Whittle