New Tuolumne County Veterans Memorial Trail honors those who served and sacrificed for their country
Sonora, CA – Visit Tuolumne County has introduced the Tuolumne County Veterans Memorial Trail, a new mobile guide to memorials, monuments, and points of remembrance throughout Tuolumne County that honor America’s military veterans.
The new guide is available at www.visittuolumne.com/tuolumne-county-veterans-memorial-trail.
Each of the nine stops on the trail tells stories of courage, sacrifice, and service.
Twain Harte Women’s Veterans Memorial
This is the first and only monument in California dedicated to women veterans. Located at the entrance to the community swimming pool, the site was chosen for its accessibility and visibility. The memorial was established under the direction of Project Manager Frank Smart and is his fourth and final memorial in Tuolumne County.
Vietnam Memorial
This standing rock memorial in Twain Harte is nearly five feet tall and four feet wide. It is dedicated to local Vietnam Veterans and can be found in front of the Twain Harte Post Office.
Carter’s Cemetery Veterans Section
Carter’s Cemetery, in the town of Tuolumne, is one of the oldest cemeteries in California. The earliest gravesite is dated June 1854. The Veterans section features a Columbarium, a memorial bench, a flagpole, and a grassy lawn.
Roy Melvin Smyth Veterans Memorial
Smyth was the first person from Tuolumne County to die in war during World War 1. This memorial marker is located across the street from Black Oak Casino Resort on Tuolumne Road North in Tuolumne City.
Tuolumne Veterans’ Memorial Hall
This Art Deco building was constructed in 1936 with New Deal funding and was a project of the Keith Dale Wann VFW Post 4748. Wann was a local boy who died in WWII. The hall houses a Veterans meeting room, a full basketball court, a theatrical stage and a kitchen.
9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Memorial
Located on the front lawn of the Tuolumne Veterans Memorial Hall, the memorial is designed to be a place for reflection on the events of 9/11 and the subsequent global war on terrorism, and to honor those who served. The project was led by Iraq War Veteran and Tuolumne Township native Aaron Rasmussen, and Frank Smart, in his third memorial. Most of the money raised to complete the memorial was raised by Candace Olsen, then a senior at Summerville High School; this was her senior project.
Mountain Shadows Cemetery in Sonora
Mountain Shadows Cemetery, located in Sonora, contains a Veterans Section in Section 3. The cemetery is owned by the City of Sonora and was created in 1929.
Tuolumne County Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum
The Tuolumne County Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum stands as a poignant tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the US military since World War I. The “Biggest Little Museum on War for the purpose of Promoting Peace” features antique guns and uniforms, historical records, and historical portraits. It also features some unique gems, including a rare plaque from the Spanish-American War and accurately detailed models of military equipment. Note the large anti-aircraft gun outside the building.
Tuolumne County Veterans Memorial Trail joins three other trails offered by Visit Tuolumne County:
- Tuolumne County Craft Beverage Trail, a guide to the finest wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails that the region has to offer. www.visittuolumne.com/tuolumne-county-craft-beverage-trail
- Tuolumne County Craft Burger Trail, with each location offering delicious and satisfying burgers as well as unique and memorable settings. www.visittuolumne.com/burger-trail
- Sonora Selfie Trail, leading to nearly 30 cultural and historical treasures, natural gems, unique artistry that graces the town, and modern-day highlights. www.visittuolumne.com/sonora-selfie-trail
ABOUT VISIT TUOLUMNE COUNTY
Visit Tuolumne (“to-all-o-me”) County (VTC) is the official destination marketing organization for Tuolumne County in Northern California. Tuolumne County is just a 2.5 hour drive east of the San Francisco Bay Area. The destination is known for its pristine, scenic expanse reaching into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Gold was discovered in Tuolumne County in 1848, setting off the major gold rush of 1849. The main highways leading to the picturesque drive from the Bay Area are Highways 108 and 120 from the west and Highway 49 from the north. The State Highway 120 entrance to Yosemite National Park is considered the “front door” of the park for the Bay Area. The Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park and other surrounding areas provide natural vistas and settings for hiking, water skiing, horseback riding, rafting, camping, snowmobiling, boating, snow skiing, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Seven restored historic hotels, four golf courses, numerous and varied dining establishments, historic saloons, four wineries, a hard cider distillery, train rides, casinos, seven museums, two state historic parks, two live theaters, many bed-and-breakfast inns and a variety of Airbnb accommodations are among the many other attributes that make the county a year-round vacation destination. For more information, go to www.visittuolumne.com.
