ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Several historical plaques have gone missing from Elk Grove in recent months, including one marking Murphy’s Corral, a site tied to early events that contributed to California’s transition from Mexican rule to U.S. statehood.

Local officials say at least 13 historical and memorial plaques have been taken from sites around Elk Grove Regional Park over the past four months. 

Among them are a plaque outside of the Elk Grove Historical Society entrance honoring Guy Foulks, who helped found Elk Grove Regional Park. His home, which was restored in 2020 and currently houses a small museum, is the oldest original residence in the Elk Grove area. Also taken, was a plaque outside of the Rhoads School House, located within the Elk Grove Regional Park. 

The Rhoads School House was named for John Pierce Rhoads, one of the rescuers of the ill-fated Donner Party in 1847. The school was built in the Sloughhouse area in 1872 before being moved to Elk Grove Park in 1976. 

“These plaques are created and funded by various organizations to highlight important people or events,” Louis Silveira, webmaster for the Elk Grove Historical Society, wrote in an email. “The costs are substantial, and much fundraising is often required. It is sad that there are those that have no respect or appreciation for the efforts of many or of this community.”

“This is really stunning that this is happening,” Silveira said. “This is a shock.”

Thieves also stole a plaque near Highway 99 and Grant Line Road commemorating a June 1846 incident when American settlers led by Ezekiel Merritt took Mexican Army horses from Lt. Francisco Arce. The act took place at the ranch of Martin Murphy, Jr. and preceded the Bear Flag Revolt in Sonoma four days later. The Murphy’s Corral plaque, originally placed in 1959, is a state landmark. 

“It is just frustrating, [the Guy Foulks Plaque] was there since 1965,” said Bret Bartholomew, president of the Elk Grove Historical Society. “The Murphy’s Corral was there since 1959. That is a while…the cost of putting it back in won’t be cheap.”

In addition to the historical markers, memorial plaques, purchased through the Cosumnes Community Services District’s Gifts for Tomorrow program, were also stolen. Residents can purchase memorial plaques that are affixed to benches throughout Elk Grove Park allowing individuals and families a way to honor loved ones while supporting community amenities.

Jenna Brinkman, spokesperson for the Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD), confirmed the thefts and said a police report has been filed with the Elk Grove Police Department. 

“We’ve already purchased replacements for the first batch of missing plaques, but we’re holding off on reinstalling them while we explore options to prevent further thefts,” Brinkman wrote in an email. “Many of the plaques were purchased by community members through our Gifts for Tomorrow program, and we want to make sure they’re protected and respected.” 

The theft of historical plaques is not unique to Elk Grove. Similar incidents have been reported across the country, with thieves targeting plaques made of bronze and other valuable metals to sell as scrap. Historic cemeteries, parks, and war memorials have been affected. 

In response, some communities have turned to using alternative materials or implementing security measures to deter theft.

Anyone who witnesses vandalism or suspicious activity may contact the Elk Grove Police Department. Report damaged or missing park features to the CSD Park Maintenance Hotline at 916-405-5688.