California State Historic Landmark 432
#432 Mark Twain Bret Harte Trail
Springfield received name from abundant springs gushing from limestone
boulders. Town, with its stores, shops, and hotel, built around plaza. Once boasted 2,000
inhabitants. Believed founded by Donna Josefa Valmesada, Mexican woman of means, with reputation
for aiding Americans in war with Mexico. During heyday, 150 miners' carts could be seen on road,
hauling gold-bearing dirt to Springfield Springs for washing.
Intersection of Springfield and Horseshoe Bend Rds, 1.1 mi SW of Columbia.
Return to other landmarks in Tuolumne county.
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