Friday, May 23, 2025
78.3 F
Roseville

Rocklin History Tour – Pyramid Tomb

Joel Parker Whitney’s Pyramid Tomb

Rocklin, Calif. – This tomb is near the 11th green of the Whitney Oaks Golf Course, to the north of Monument Park.

In January 1913, Joel Parker Whitney died at Del Monte, California after a long bout with kidney disease. He was 78.  His cremated remains and those of at least 23 of his forebears and descendents are interred here. The pyramid shape probably resulted from Whitney’s believe in Pyramidology, the belief that pyramids hold magical powers, including the power to bestow reincarnation.

- Advertisement -

2025 Placer County Fair in Roseville!

Placer County Fair

The tomb is about 15 feet high and constructed of granite blocks with a white marble-lined interior.

By family tradition Whitney created this tomb for himself in his declining years, however a note in Whitney’s diary by his son Vincent indicates that Vincent ordered it built after his father’s death. Curiously there are three interments of people who died more than 20 years before Whitney, his mother and father and one of his sisters.

Several family members reunite at the tomb each year in May and about once every five years they open the tomb for new interments. At least one interment has been removed for fear of vandalism. Recently vandals left graffiti on the entry door and on the granite lintel above.

The tomb is centered in an enclosure of piled rocks and native granite boulders, a structure which Whitney called The Fort. The boulders show bedrock mortars where Nisenan women and children ground acorns into mush until the early 19th century.

ROCKLIN HISTORY TOUR
Early Union Granite Company QuarryJoel Parker Whitney’s Oaks Mansion
Old St. Mary’s ChapelBrigham And Hawes Quarry
Rocklin History MuseumWickman-Johnson Home
Rocklin City HallClover Valley Bridge
Barudoni BuildingRocklin Cemetery
Roundhouse SiteVictorian Homes
Huff’s SpringRailroad Depot
Capitol QuarryCopp’s Quarry
Quinn QuarryPyramid Tomb
Finn Hall
Dedicated to Gary Day, a True Champion of Rocklin
- Advertisement -

2025 Placer County Fair in Roseville!

Placer County Fair


In Roseville starting June 26th!

Support local sports!

Trending

Folsom Police Chief Rick Hillman to retire in June

Folsom, Calif. - Folsom Police Chief Rick Hillman has announced his retirement following nearly four decades in law enforcement, including 30 years with the Folsom Police Department and the last seven serving as Police Chief.

Placer County Fair Rib Cook-Off June 29 in Roseville: Mouth-watering experience

Roseville, Calif- The 5th Annual Placer County Fair Rib Cook-Off, home of the original rib passport happens June 29th in Roseville at this year's Placer County Fair. The stuff of legend, this is your chance

Wanted: Placer County Fair vendors, sponsors, and volunteers

Roseville, Calif. - Artists, bakers and entrepreneurs get ready, the Placer County Fair is just a few months away and looking for you

87th Annual Placer County Fair starts June 26th in Roseville

Roseville, Calif. - More and new heart-racing carnival rides and games, a better-than-ever entertainment lineup, deep-fried food favorites, the popular livestock area and auction, Blue Ribbon-winning exhibits, the return of the adorable All-Alaskan racing pigs, and wine tasting are all part of the 87th annual Placer County Fair.

Paper Source in Roseville

Visit our Paper Source Roseville, CA store for stationery, greeting cards, gifts and more. Browse upcoming events & find directions to your local store.

Topics

Folsom Police Chief Rick Hillman to retire in June

Folsom, Calif. - Folsom Police Chief Rick Hillman has announced his retirement following nearly four decades in law enforcement, including 30 years with the Folsom Police Department and the last seven serving as Police Chief.

Placer County Fair Rib Cook-Off June 29 in Roseville: Mouth-watering experience

Roseville, Calif- The 5th Annual Placer County Fair Rib Cook-Off, home of the original rib passport happens June 29th in Roseville at this year's Placer County Fair. The stuff of legend, this is your chance

Wanted: Placer County Fair vendors, sponsors, and volunteers

Roseville, Calif. - Artists, bakers and entrepreneurs get ready, the Placer County Fair is just a few months away and looking for you

87th Annual Placer County Fair starts June 26th in Roseville

Roseville, Calif. - More and new heart-racing carnival rides and games, a better-than-ever entertainment lineup, deep-fried food favorites, the popular livestock area and auction, Blue Ribbon-winning exhibits, the return of the adorable All-Alaskan racing pigs, and wine tasting are all part of the 87th annual Placer County Fair.

Paper Source in Roseville

Visit our Paper Source Roseville, CA store for stationery, greeting cards, gifts and more. Browse upcoming events & find directions to your local store.

Opera House Saloon in Roseville

The Opera House Saloon is the largest and classiest nightclub in Placer County. We offer Rock and Roll, Country and Line Dancing.

Ben Bridge Jeweler in Roseville

Ben Bridge Jeweler offers a large collection of high-quality jewelry from engagement rings and diamond earrings & necklaces, to bracelets and watches.

Stand Up Placer names Gary McDonald as Executive Director

Roseville, Calif. - The Board of Directors of Stand Up Placer is proud to announce the appointment of Gary McDonald as Executive Director, effective May 19, 2025.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

Mobley Pest Services in Roseville serving the community and region for over 20 years

Roseville, Calif.- Fully licensed and bonded, Mobley Pest Services in Roseville has been providing reliable pest control services for well over 20 years. Serving residents and businesses in the greater Placer and Sacramento region, Mobley Pest Services is locally owned and operated in Roseville.

California Fence and Patio serving Placer County for over 30 years

Loomis, Calif. - California Fence & Patio is proud of their reputation as the premier fencing and patio cover contractor in the Roseville,, Sacramento and Placer County region.

California Recovery Center in Roseville offers treatment for substance abuse and mental health

California Recovery Center (CRC) is a treatment provider for adults with substance abuse and mental health condition, located in Roseville and serving the greater Sacramento region.