Plaque information: Private plaque
Plaque text: Valley Spring The original three foot narrow gauge line was built by the San Joaquin & Sierra Nevada Railroad, extending from Brack's Landing on the Mokelumne River, east to Valley Spring. The depot and turntable were built around the time of completion of the last section, which was finished in April 1885, at a total cost of $409,570.00. The line was changed to standard gauge by Southern Pacific around 1904. It was then extended 13 miles further east to Kentucky House to service the Calaveras Cement Company in 1925. Passenger service ended around 1932 but the line continued to serve as a freight line, until the closure of the cement plant. The last rail shipment of cement was in 1983. Dedicated by Matuca Chapter #1849 E Clampus Vitus. May 30, 1993 (5998) Credo Quia Absurdum
OHP description: In 1885 the San Joaquin and Sierra Nevada Railroad Company completed a narrow-gauge railroad from Brack's Landing to Valley Springs. The line eventually became the property of Southern Pacific Company, and a standard-gauge line into Valley Springs was substituted.
Plaque text: San Andreas Heart of the Southern Mines Settled by Mexicans in 1848. Named after Catholic parish of St. Andrew. First newspaper was published here Sept 24, 1856. Destroyed by fire June 4, 1858, and in 1863. County seat of Calaveras County since 1866. Rendezvous of Joaquin Murieta. Black Bart, notorious stage robber, tried here and sent to prison from here. Noted mining camp since early days. Gold from the surrounding ancient river channels and placer mines contributed greatly to the success of the Union during the Civil War. Erected by Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce. October 26, 1930.
Site information: State Hwy 26, W of Sandy Gulch Ln, 2.1 mi W of West Point While there is still a community of Sandy Gulch, nothing historical remains of this site, as far as I know. 38.37913,-120.540134
Plaque text: Sandy Gulch This site, in 1849, was a trading center for pioneer miners of Northwestern Calaveras County. It was named after the gulch where William and Dan Carsner found large nuggets imbedded in the course sand. Water for mining was brought from the Middle Fork of the Mokelumne River. Through the Sandy Gulch and Kadish Ditches. Quartz mining began in the early fifties. The first custom stamp mill was at the head of Sandy Gulch. The school and elections precincts were established early. Hangmanss Tree stood near the center of town. Numerous Mi-Wuk Indians lived here then. There are many pioneers buried in the cemetery. This monument is erected in memory of them. Originally dedicated by the Native Daughters of the Golden West, 14 September 1941. Plaque replaced by the Calaveras County Historical Society - 1993.
Site information: The site is 0.5 miles west of the plaque, submerged by the lake. Nothing remains of the site, as far as I know.
Plaque information: State plaque located in Camanche Recreation area, on Camanche Rd. Site and plaque are restricted access, but a temporary access pass may be granted at gate. 38.212725,-120.92282
Plaque text: Camanche Named Camanche in 1849 after Camanche, Iowa. Once called Limerick Peak population 1500. Rich mining at nearby Cat Camp, Poverty Bar, and Sand Hill. Mokelumne River water brought in by Lancha Plana and Poverty Bar ditch. Fire June 21, 1873, destroyed large Chinatown. Buhach manufactured on the nearby Hill Ranch. Monument and plaque erected by Calaveras County Historical Society and residents of Camanche, in cooperation with the California State Park Commission. April 8, 1956 Plaque addendum text: Historical landmark plaque no. 254 was formerly located in the now submerged townsite of Camanche one half mile to your left (west). These hand hewn blocks are mortise stones from the south abutment of the Westmoreland Suspension Bridge, constructed during the gold rush era and formerly located two miles northeast of here. Plaque placed and rededicated by the East Bay Municipal Utility District in cooperation with the Calaveras County Historical Society, May 5, 1968.
Plaque information: State plaque
Plaque text: Calaveritas Calaveritas, settled in 1849 by Mexicans, was a flourishing mining town complete with stores, saloons, gambling houses, and fandango halls. Joaquin Murieta is said to have frequently visited its fandango halls and gambling houses. Destroyed by fire in 1858. Marker placed by California Centennials Commission. Base furnished by Calaveras County 20-30 Club. Dedicated June 18, 1950.
#0256 I.O.O.F. Hall, Mokelumne Hill
Plaque information: No plaque
OHP description: This is said to be California's first three-story building to be erected outside the coastal towns. The original building was erected in 1854 as a two-story building - a third story to be used for lodge purposes was added later.
Site information: Intersection of Campo Seco and Penn Mine Rds, Campo Seco 38.226602,-120.854075
Plaque text: Campo Seco Campo Seco was settled in 1849 by Mexicans who worked placers in Oregon Gulch. The largest living cork oak tree in California was planted here in 1858. The iron doors of the ruined Adams Express Building were still standing in 1950. Marker placed by California Centennials Commission. Base furnished by the Campo Seco Community Club. Dedicated September 9, 1950
Site information: State Hwy 49 (P.M. 14.0) at San Antonio Creek, 5 mi S of San Andreas Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 38.130589,-120.634533
Plaque text: Fourth Crossing Located on the Stockton-Murphys Road at the fourth crossing of the Calaveras River. This early mining settlement, once called Foremans, was famous in the 1850s for its rich placer ores. Later, it became an important stage and freighting depot and served the southern mines until after the turn of the century. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Calaveras County Historical Society, October 23, 1965.
OHP description: The Congregational Church in Mokelumne Hill was organized August 28, 1853. The church building, erected in 1856, is the oldest Congregational Church building in the state.
Site information: County Road J14 (Milton Rd), Milton On Jan 23, 2016, about 2 months before I visited, the historic Masonic Lodge where the plaque was located burned down. 38.032208,-120.852885
Plaque information: Private plaque, but the plaque is really more about the Masonic Hall than it is about the town. there is no other plaque for the town, though.
Plaque text: Keystone Lodge No. 161, F. & A.M. instituted in Copperopolis, Dec. 19, 1862, at the height of the copper mining boom. Moved, 1881, to Milton, the terminal of the Stockton & Copperopolis Railroad, which because of the collapse of copper mining, never reached its intended goal. Dedicated to the memory of those who sought to perpetuate the moral teachings of Freemasonry. To them we gratefully acknowledge our debt. Grand Lodge F.& A.N. of California. Dec. 19, 1962
OHP description: Completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1871 marked the birth of the town of Milton. Named after Milton Latham, one of the railroad construction engineers, this town was the first in Calaveras County to have a railroad. Freight and passengers continued their journeys to other parts of Calaveras County by wagon and stagecoach.
Site information: Stone Corral Ranch, on State Hwy 26 (P.M. 0.8), 9.5 mi SW of Valley Springs Stone Corral Ranch is private property. No sign that any stone corrals exist to this day. If they do, they are in this region. Stone Corral Community Church is located on Hwy 26 near Milton Rd. 38.099009, -120.926462
OHP description: Stone Corral, consisting of a hotel, barns, and the large corrals for which it was named, was one of the stopping places on the road from the mines to Stockton.
Site information: On Double Springs Rd, 3.6 mi E of Valley Springs Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 38.213257,-120.773766
State plaque text: Double Springs Founded February 18, 1850, Double Springs was once the seat of Calaveras County. The old courthouse, said to be constructed of lumber brought from China, is still standing, but not on its original site. Department of Public Works - Division of Highways Private plaque text: Double Springs First county seat of Calaveras County, Feb. 18, 1850. Land located in 1847 by Charles L. Peck. Claimed under preemption notice to the Alcalde of San Francisco, recorded Sept. 19, 1850 at Page 69, in record B, 3rd archives of San Francisco. Surveyed and platted as Double Springs Townsite in 1850. FIrst county courthouse of imported Chinese panels, erected 100 feet southwest of the monument. Hon. W. Fowle Smith, first county judge and L.A. Collier, first county clerk. Erected by Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce, June 8, 1950.
Site information: State Hwy 49 (P.M. 26.4), 1.4 mi S of Mokelumne Hill Nothing remains of the site, as far as I know. 38.280629,-120.708583
Plaque text: Chili Gulch Richest placer mining section, extending five miles, in Calaveras County. Received name from Chileans who worked gulch in 1848 and 1849, and scene of the so-called Chilean War. Largest known quartz crystals recovered from a mine on south side of gulch. Marker placed by California Centennials Commission. Base furnished by Mokelumne Lions Club. Dedicated July 4, 1949.
Plaque text: Jenny Lind Settled in the 1840's as a flourishing gold mining, cattle ranching and farming community. Dedicated on the 100th anniversary of Joaquin Parlor, No. 5, Stockton, Native Daughters of the Golden West. April 4, 1987
OHP description: Jenny Lind, located on the north bank of the Calaveras River, was a placer mining town as early as 1849. Most of the placer mining was done along the hillsides above the river - later the river was mined with dredgers. In 1864 the population was said to be 400, half of them Chinese.
Plaque text: Murphys Hotel James L. Sperry and John Perry opened the Sperry and Perry Hotel August 20, 1856. In 1881 Henry Atwood and then Harvey Blood owned it. In 1882, the Mitchler family renamed it the Mitchler Hotel. In 1945, the McKimins' changed its name to Murphys Hotel. In 1963, a College of the Pacific group purchased it. One of the oldest operating hotels in California. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Murphys A & Q Inc. (Owners), September 18, 1980.
Plaque text: West Point Named by famous scout Kit Carson while searching for a pass over Sierras. One emigrant road forked at Big Meadows, and north branch came directly to West Point. A thriving trading post prior to the gold discovery. Bret Harte, famous author, lived here for a period. Marker placed by California Centennials Commission. Base furnished by Mokelumne Lions Club. Dedicated July 3, 1949
Plaque text: Mokelumne Hill Mokelumne is an Indian word, first applied to the nearby river. Earliest settlement was at Happy Valley by French trappers. Gold was discovered by discharged members of Stevenson's Regiment in 1848. Mokelumne Hill was the center of the richest placer mining section of Calaveras County and one of the principal mining towns of California. Corral Flat produced over thirty millions in gold. Sixteen feet square constituted a claim. The so-called 'French War' for possession of gold mines occurred in 1851. 'Calaveras Chronicle' was established in 1850. Fights between grizzly bears and bulls amused early residents. The town was destroyed by fires in 1854, 1864, and 1874. County seat of Calaveras County from 1853 to 1866. Erected by Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce. Dedicated by Native Daughters of the Golden West, June 1937.
Plaque information: No plaque, but there is a state sign
OHP description: This pioneer cemetery was said to have been established in 1851. Most of the graves are unmarked - stones appeared over only three of them in 1936. This cemetery is located almost opposite where the town of North Branch originally stood, before the site was mined for gold.
OHP description: Douglas Flat was a roaring mining camp of the early 1850s. In 1857 the Harper and Lone Star Claims produced $130,000 worth of gold. The so-called Central Hill Channel, an ancient river deposit from which vast quantities of gold have been taken, is located here.
Plaque information: Private plaque which doubles for this landmark and #370
Plaque text: Vallecito One of California's important early day mining towns named by Mexicans meaning Little Valley. Gold was discovered here by the Murphy Brothers on 1849. It was originally called "Murphys' Old Diggings". This bell was cast at Troy N.Y. in 1853. After being brought around the horn it was purchased from the ship with funds contributed by early day residents, then brought to Vallecito and erected in a large oak tree in 1854. It was used to call the people together for all purposes until February 16, 1939, when a severe wind blew the old tree down. This monument was erected by popular subscription and dedicated by the Grand Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West on the first day of October, 1939
OHP description: This mining camp of the early 1850s was almost totally destroyed by fire on August 28, 1859. Nearby is Moaning Cave, which the Indians used as a burial ground.
Plaque text: Carson Hill Gold discovered in creek just below town by James H. Carson in 1848, whose name was given to creek, hill, and town. In November 1854, at Morgan Mine, was found the largest gold nugget in California, weighing 195 pounds troy, worth at that time $43,000. Marker placed by California Centennials Commission. Base furnished by Angels Camp Lions Club. Dedicated May 22, 1949.
Plaque text: Murphys One of the principal mining communities in Calaveras County, Murphys was named for the discoverer of gold on the flat in 1849. The objective of many immigrants coming over the Sierras by Ebbetts Pass, Murphys Flat and surrounding mines produced 20,000,000 dollars in gold. Early regulations restricted claims to 8 ft. square. A suspension flume conveying water across Murphys Creek and drainage race draining the flat were two outstanding accomplishments of early day miners. The business portion of town was destroyed by fire August 20, 1859. Joaquin Murieta bandit, is said to have begun his murderous career here. Calaveras Light Guards recruiting for Civil War, organized here on May 4, 1861. Erected and dedicated Dec 1937 by Ruby Parlor No. 46 Native Daughters of the Golden West, Chispa Parlor No. 139 Native Sons of the Golden West.
Site information: Vista point on State Hwy 49 (P.M. 0.6), 5.4 mi S of Angels Camp Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 38.008954,-120.504673
Plaque text: Robinson's Ferry In 1848 John W. Robinson and Stephen Mead established ferry transport for freight, animals and persons across river. In 1856 Harvey Wood purchased interest and later acquired property which was maintained by Wood Family until 1911. Charges were 50 cents for each passenger, horse, jenny or other animal. Marker placed by California Centennials Commission. Base furnished by Angels Camp Lions Club. Dedicated May 22, 1949.
Site information: State Hwy 26 (P.M. 26.2), Glencoe There is a community of Glencoe, but there isn't much to see. Nothing historical remains, as far as I know. 38.352292,-120.5836
OHP description: Glencoe was formerly called Mosquito Gulch. The business portion of the town was on the north side of Mosquito Gulch, but not one of the old buildings remains. The mines were first worked by the Mexicans in the early 1850s - quartz mining predominated but there was some placer mining.
Site information: Hwy 48 (P.M. 0.3), O'Byrne Ferry Rd Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 37.89928,-120.571282
Plaque text: O'Byrne Ferry In 1852 a chain cable bridge replaced the ferries that once crossed here and was supplanted in turn by a covered truss structure in 1862. Some writers claimed that this was the location of Bret Harte's Poker Flat. In late "49" there was a large camp here, with miners washing gold out on both banks of the Stanislaus River. Replaced by Calaveras County Historical Society 1993.
Site information: NW corner of Mountain Ranch Rd and Whiskey Slide Rd, Mountain Ranch 38.228564,-120.542681
Plaque text: El Dorado Patented as a townsite in 1872, this early town derived its name from a sawmill located here. A post office established at Mountain Ranch in 1856, was moved to El Dorado in 1868 and El Dorado has thus became known as Mountain Ranch. This bell was used from 1885 to 1953 in the local school. Established as Cave City School District in 1855. In 1946 this school joined with the Banner District to become the El Dorado Union Elementary School District. Erected by El Dorado Union Community Club. Dedicated by Calaveras County Historical Society June 17, 1956. Rededicated 1996.
Site information: On Jesus Maria Rd, 4.9 mi SE of Mokelumne Hill I'm not certain the cemetery is historical, as many graves are fairly recent. But it's the only thing around here aside from the stone ruins, so it is probably related to the old town. 38.285158,-120.645001
OHP description: The town, center of a large placer mining section, was named for a Mexican who raised vegetables and melons for the miners. It was settled in the early 1850s with a large population of Mexicans, French, Chileans, and Italians.
Site information: NE of intersection of Railroad Flat and Summit Level Rds, Rail Road Flat 38.343257,-120.512142
Plaque text: Rail Road Flat This historic mining town, elevation 2,600 feet, was founded in 1849 and named after primitive mule-drawn ore cars used here. The center of rich placer and quartz mining, its largest producer was the Petticoat Mine. As a result of black fever, the town's population was decimated in 1880. The post office established in 1857, and the Edwin Taylor store built in 1867, and the site of an Indian council house are among present day attractions. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Rail Road Flat Community Club, August 4, 1967.
Plaque text: Angels Camp Home of the Jumping Frog Romance - Gold - History Founded in 1849 by George Angel, who established a mining camp and trading store 200 feet below this marker. A rich gravel mining area and one of the richest quartz mining sections of the Mother Lode. Production records of over 100 million dollars for Angels Camp and vicinity. Towmsite established in 1873.Prominent in early-day California history. The locale of Mark Twain's famous story, The Jumping Frog of Calaveras. Frequented by Joaquin Murieta, Black Bart, and other early-day bandits. Erected and dedicated by Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce, May 16, 1931.
Plaque information: There is a private plaque for the Altaville Foundry, with remains near the Burger King at Demerest and Main. No plaque specifically for the whole town.
Plaque text: Altaville Foundry & Machine Works founded by J.M. Wooster, Est. 1854 Is the site of the longest running continuously operated foundry west of the Mississippi River. All quartz machinery needed for the numerous mines surrounding the Altaville, Angels Camp area was cast here. It was previously known as Altaville Foundry and Machine Works, Calavaras Iron & Steel Co., and lastly California Electric Steel Co. Previous owners: D.D. Demarest & T.H. Fullen, 1860, Lawrence Monte Verde & Demarest Family 1892, Lawrence Monte Verde Family 1928. Dedicated May 27, 1995. Princess Parlor No. 84 N.D.G.W. Angels Towne Center
OHP description: The history of Altaville is closely identified with that of Angels Camp. Altaville has been the foundry town of Calaveras County since D. D. Demerest established a foundry there in 1854. Most of the stamp mills and a large part of the mining machinery erected in Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties were built at the Altaville Foundry. A brick schoolhouse was built at Altaville in 1858 and the townsite was established in 1873.
Plaque text: Paloma (Fosteria) Gwin Mine, Paloma, and Lower Rich Gulch was mined for placer in 1849. Quartz was discovered by J. Alexander in 1851. Property acquired by William M. Gwin, California's first U.S. Senator, in 1851. The Gwin Mine, closed in 1908, yielded millions. Marker placed by California Centennials Commission. Base furnished by Paloma Community Club. Dedicated September 5, 1949
Plaque text: Copperopolis Copper discovered here by W. K. Reed and Thomas McCarty in 1860. Mines were utilized during the Civil War and the first and second world wars. During Civil War period was principal copper producing section of United States. Marker placed by California Centennials Commission. Base furnished by Copperopolis Community Center. Dedicated May 30, 1949.
Plaque information: Private plaque which doubles for this landmark and #273
#0465 Old Mining Camp of Brownsville
Site information: Pennsylvania Gulch Rd, 0.9 mi SW of Murphys Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 38.128735,-120.442096
Plaque text: Site of Brownsville A thriving mining camp on rich Pennsylvania Gulch in the 1850s and 1860s. Named for Alfred Brown, former owner of Table Mountain Ranch. Laws of the Brownsville mining district provided that each miner could own one wet and one dry claim, not to exceed 150 square feet. California State Park Commission. Monument base erected by Chispa Parlor No. 139 of NSGW and Ruby Parlor No. 46 of NDGW. Dedicated July 19, 1953.
#0466 The Peter L. Traver Building
Plaque text: Peter L. Traver Building Constructed by Peter L. Traver in 1856. Oldest stone building in Murphys. Iron shutters and sand on the roof protected it from fires of 1859, 1874, and 1893. It served as general store, a Wells Fargo office, and later, garage. Monument erected by Chispa Parlor No. 139 of NSGW and Ruby Parlor No. 46 of NDGW. Dedicated July 19, 1953.
Plaque text: Altaville Grammar School This brick building, erected in 1858 with funds raised by a dance in the Billiard Saloon of the N.R. Prince Building (which still stands, 1955) is one of the oldest schools of California. It was in use until 1950, when it was replaced by the present Mark Twain Elementary School in Altaville. Marker placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with Princess Parlor No. 84, Native Daughters of the Golden West, May 1, 1955.
#0663 Courthouse of Calaveras County, 1852-1866, and Leger Hotel
Site information: NE corner of Main and Lafayette Sts, Mokelumne Hill 38.301197,-120.705835
Plaque text: Calaveras County Courthouse and leger Hotel A portion of this building served as the Calaveras County Courthouse from 1852 to 1866, when the county seat was removed to San Andreas. George W. Leger then acquired the court building and made it a part of his adjoining hotel, which has been in operation since early gold mining days. It was known as the Grand Hotel in 1874 when fire damaged it and destroyed its dance hall. Restored in 1879, it has since been known as the Leger Hotel. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Mokelumne Hill Lions Club, June 14, 1959.
Plaque text: Angels Hotel C. C. Lake erected here a canvas hotel in 1851. It was replaced by a one-story wooden structure, and then by one of stone in 1855, with a second story being added in 1857. Here, Samuel Clemens first heard the yarn, which was later to bring him fame as Mark Twain, author of "The Jumping Frog of Calaveras". Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with Princess Parlor No. 84, Native Daughters of the Golden West, July 31, 1960.
#0735 Prince-Garibardi Building
Plaque text: Prince-Garibardi Building This structure was erected in 1852 by B. R. Prince and G. Garibardi for a general merchandise business. Improved in 1857 with living quarters on the second floor, it is still used for living and warehouse purposes. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Princess Parlor No. 84, Native Daughters of the Golden West, July 31, 1960.
#0769 Birthplace of Archie Stevenot
Site information: State Hwy 4 (P.M. 3.3), 3.7 mi S of Angels Camp The third photo is of another plaque honoring Archie Stevenot near the plaque for #276. 38.027633,-120.506636
Plaque text: To honor Archie Stevenot "Mr. Mother Lode" He was born Sept. 25, 1882 on the old Stevenot Homestead one-half mile west of this marker. Son of Emile K. and Sarah E. Stevenot and the grandson of Gabriel K. Stevenot, Calaveras County pioneer who pitched tent there in April, 1850. Student, salesman, miner, rancher, post master, school board member and general superintendent of the nearby Carson Hill Mine, he has spent a productive lifetime in this region. He established the Mother Lode Highway Association in 1919, serving as president or director until 1950 when it joined into the Golden Chain Council. One of the organizers of the California State Chamber of Commerce. One of organizers of Mother Lode baseball league. A native son and one of the state's favorites, there is hardly an activity for the benefit of California and the Mother Lode with which he has not been identified. To our Supreme Noble Grand Humbug of the Grand Council of E. Clampus Vitus, Inc. this marker is affectionately dedicated this 14th day of October, 1961. Matuca Chapter, E. Clampus Vitus No. 1849.
OHP description: The Stevenot family established the borax industry in California - Archie Stevenot was proclaimed 'Mr. Mother Lode' by resolution of the 1961 session of the State Legislature. Not only he but his father and grandfather lent fame to the Carson Hill region of California.
#0956 California Caverns at Cave City
Site information: Cave City Rd, approx 4 mi from Mountain Ranch Rd via Michel Rd, 11 mi E of Hwy 49 in San Andreas Site is privately owned and access to the cavern is limited to operating hours. Fee required. 38.202618,-120.509174
OHP description: The historical significance of California Caverns is well established as a major cavern system and as one of the earliest officially recorded caves (1850) in the Mother Lode region of California. The early commercial enterprise associated with California Caverns is evidenced by the historical documents verifying organized tourist activities as early as 1854. Although one of numerous caves in the Mother Lode region, California Caverns claims the distinction of having the most extensive system of caverns and passageways.