Site information:

In parking lot of Gold Trail School, 889 Cold Springs Rd, Gold Hill

38.771297,-120.889415

Plaque information:

State plaque

Plaque text:

Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony

Site of the only tea and silk farm established in California. First agricultural settlement of pioneer Japanese immigrants who arrived at Gold Hill on June 8, 1869. Despite the initial success, it failed to prosper. It marked the beginning of Japanese influence on the agricultural economy of California.

Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation In cooperation with the Japanese American Citizens League, El Dorado County Historical Society, And Friends of the Centennial Observance. June 7, 1969.

OHP description:

The agricultural settlement of pioneer Japanese immigrants who arrived at Gold Hill on June 8, 1869-the only tea and silk farm established in California-had a promising outlook but failed tragically in less than two years. This was the initial Japanese-influenced agricultural attempt in California.

Registered 12/19/1966