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After visiting Daffodil Hill a few days back, with a daughter and three granddaughters, we literally fell into the little town of Volcano - 2 miles away.
Volcano (Formerly Soldier's Gulch) is another of those little Gold Rush gems, which provides rich color to the Wild West era tapestry. It is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque of the Mother Lode towns.
Dating back in history to the late 1850s, the town was originally nicknamed "Crater City." Early miners noticed the lay of the land was a bowl-shaped valley, which caused them to believe it was formed by a volcano.
There is a story that in 1849 one miner took out 8 thousand dollars worth of gold in a few days - that was in 1849 dollars. Another got 28 pounds in a single pocket.
Volcano boasts that it is home to California's first amateur theatrical company. This theatre tradition continues to this day. The town has an outdoor amphitheatre, and the Volcano Theatre Company, which stages performances at various times during the year.
Once the largest settlement in Amador County, Volcano now has a population of a mere 101 souls. In its heyday, the town boasted 3 breweries, 17 hotels, 37 saloons and a great deal of gold.
Volcano is also only a few miles from Indian Grinding Rock State Park a very worthwhile Amador County attraction.
For more detailed history on Volcano you can visit Volcano's AmadorGold webpage
Directions to Volcano from Sacramento: Take Highway 16 through Sloughhouse, and on until you reach Highway 49 toward Jackson (travels through Dry Town, Amador City, and Jackson). Take the Highway 88 turnoff toward Lake Tahoe. Turn left on Pine Grove-Volcano Road. The settlement is about 3 miles from Highway 88. Mileage is about 50 miles from Sacramento to Volcano.
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