Historic Dam Site Dedication

[Matthew]

The Elk Grove Historical Society has a grand event coming up next week, Saturday, July 12 at 10:30 a.m. It’s the dedication of a very historic place where Jared Dixon Sheldon was killed by miners in what is now Rancho Murieta South. The tragic event occurred on July 12, 1851, 157 years ago. Sheldon, as many readers know, was the owner (along with William Daylor) of the Omochumnes Land Grant obtained from the Mexican government before California became a state. When gold was discovered, the Cosumnes River had its share of gold miners, and they objected to Sheldon’s dam because it was flooding their claims. The dispute was not settled, and the shooting was the result. In this sad Sloughhouse story, Sheldon’s wife, Catherine Rhoads, was left with three young children.

The public is invited to the dedication, which will take place on a trail along the Cosumnes River and the third fairway of Rancho Murieta South golf course. The Native Sons of the Golden West will officiate, and there’s a picnic later in Reynosa Park. For more information, contact Naida West, our wonderful resident author of dramatic California and local history – 916-985-7411.

Elk Grove Citizen : Lifestyle