Volcano is named for its setting in a bowl-shaped valley which early miners thought was caused by a volcano. The early morning fog rising from the valley floor only reinforced that belief. Legend has it that among Volcano’s earliest settlers were members of Colonel Stevenson’s Regiment, who mined Soldiers Gulch in 1848. In 1851 a post office was established and by April 1852 there were 300 houses. By 1853 the flats and gulches swarmed with men, and there were 11 stores, 6 hotels, 3 bakeries, and 3 saloons. Hydraulic mining operations, begun in 1855, brought thousands of fortune seekers to form a town of 17 hotels, a library, a theater, and courts of quick justice.
During the Civil War, Volcano’s gold served the Union. Volcano almost became the county seat in 1854 and again in 1857, but the newspaper closed in 1857 and afterwards, the town began to decline. Although small, Volcano is a town of many “firsts” in California including in 1854, the first theater group, in 1855 the first private law school and in 1860 the first astronomical observatory.
Daffodil Hill
Each spring, from mid-March through mid-April, Daffodil Hill explodes with thousands of blooms, attracting visitors from around the world.
Explore Black Chasm Caverns
Amador County is home to the dazzling Black Chasm Caverns in Volcano.
Volcano Restaurants
Volcano Union Inn and Pub is a great spot to meet your neighbors, enjoy your family and make new friends. Serving seasonal comfort food. St. George Hotel and Restaurant is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in the charming and historic town of Volcano, the lovely and magical grounds of the St. George are a joy in every season. Kneading Dough Bakery provides bakery items, breads, dinner to-go, and a gluten-free menu.
Volcano Country Store
The historic Country Store in the gold rush town of Volcano.
Volcano Gallery
The Volcano Gallery is located in the quaint town of Volcano, Ca. and is within 3 miles of the world famous Daffodil Hill.
Volcano Theatre Company
For over 40 years VTC has brought entertaining plays to the public. They are a community theatre located in Volcano, producing 5 shows per year.
