Built it 1859 by Benoni Thompson to collect tolls for using the Gephardt Union Turnpike running 6 miles from Penn Valley to Grass Valley. The last remaining original toll house in the West. It served as a Wells Fargo Express office and stage stop, and was the secret rendezvous place of Joaquin Murietta and Lola Montez.

Marker is on Rough and Ready Highway, on the right when traveling east.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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