What is the origin of the "on this site in 1897 nothing happened" plaque?

Question

What is the origin of the "on this site in 1897 nothing happened" plaque? I've looked everywhere and it's driving me crazy! I saw it on a old light post in a remote spot in Northern CA a few years ago and most recently in a restaurant on a sitcom.

Answer 1

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There are plaques and historical markers on many old places that explain the historical significance, but a parody of this is the sign: “On this site in 1897, nothing happened.” It is not known when or where this sign first originated, but it dates back to at least 1980.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fcb/2925067419/

http://sarahloos.blogspot.com/2008/03/on-this-site...

http://www.vandykes.com/product/gc120011/-on-this-...

On this site you can buy your own.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/for/939907727.htm...