Salmon Falls, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Salmon Falls
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Former settlement
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 Salmon Falls
Location in California
Salmon Falls
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | El Dorado County |
| Elevation | 469 ft (143 m) |
| Reference #: | 571 |
Salmon Falls was once a small town in El Dorado County, California. It was built right next to the South Fork of the American River. This old town was about 5.5 miles (8.8 km) southwest of Pilot Hill. It sat at an elevation of 469 feet (143 meters) above sea level.
The town got its name from the waterfalls nearby. These falls were a great spot for salmon. Today, Salmon Falls is mostly underwater. It was flooded when Folsom Lake was created. The site is now a special place called California Historical Landmark #571.
The Story of Salmon Falls
Salmon Falls was a busy place during the California Gold Rush. People started looking for gold here in 1848. The town itself was officially founded in 1850.
Gold Rush Days
The town began to grow in 1853 at a spot called Higgins Point. A post office opened in Salmon Falls in 1851. It helped people send and receive mail. The post office stayed open until 1912, though it closed for short times in 1875 and 1893.
At its busiest, Salmon Falls had a population of 3,003 people. This was during the exciting years of the gold rush. Many people came hoping to find their fortune.
An Underwater Town
Salmon Falls was built along the American River. It was near where Sweetwater Creek joins the river. This area is northeast of today's Folsom, California.
In the 1950s, the Folsom Dam was built. This dam created Folsom Lake. Because of the lake, Salmon Falls is usually covered by water. It stays underwater for most of the year.
However, when the water level in Folsom Lake is low, you can still see parts of the old town. Old building foundations, roads, and even the old Salmon Falls Bridge become visible. It's like a hidden town appearing from the water!
Moving the Past
When Folsom Lake was being created, some old cemeteries were in the way. The remains of people buried in Salmon Falls cemetery were carefully moved. They were reburied in a new location. This also happened for other towns that were flooded by Folsom Lake, like Mormon Island.
