This quaint town is named for its setting in a bowl-shaped valley which early miners thought was caused by a volcano.

Although small, Volcano is a town of many firsts:

• 1854 Theater group in California
• 1854 Debating society in California
• 1854 Circulating library in California
• 1855 Private schools in California
• 1855 Private law school in California
• 1856 Legal hanging in Amador County
• 1860 Astronomical observatory in California

During the Civil War, Volcano's gold served the Union. The Volcano Blues smuggled this 800 lb. cannon, "Old Abe," into the town by hearse, to intimidate rebel sympathizers. It was only fired once during the Civil War and is the only cannon of that age in the U.S. still on a 19th century wooden carriage.
I have wanted to come to this cavern for quite some time. Jan and Chris joined me on the 50-minute Landmark Walk Tour that was interesting and a tad scary all at the same time.


I loved this description, "There are a variety of formations in Black Chasm Cavern, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstone, draperies, ribbons, angel's wings, cave bacon, soda straws, helictites, false floors, and numerous fun shapes that encourage one's imagination."


After an amazing explore we headed back to the surface and finished our Volcano day frolicking in the flowers.
This was our second visit to Daffodil Hill, a ranch owned by the McLaughlin family since 1887.




Daffodil Hill is situated in a beautiful mountain setting, with pine trees, the original 1880’s barn, wagon wheels, gold rush era mining equipment and antique farming implements. It appeals to anyone with a love of nature and history... Oh man, that is so us right now. What a diverse and interesting get away of learning and experiencing. Great memories!