Welcome to Mokelumne Hill, a small town with a big history nestled in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada. Known affectionately as ‘Moke Hill,’ this place is a testament to the bustling days of the Gold Rush era. Founded in 1848 by a group of Oregonians, Mokelumne Hill quickly became one of the richest gold mining towns in California. The allure of gold was so strong that miners here once risked starvation rather than leaving their claims to replenish supplies.
In its heyday by 1850, Mokelumne Hill was a vibrant, multicultural hub with a population swelling to as much as 15,000. This melting pot included Americans, Frenchmen, Germans, Spaniards, Chileans, Mexicans, and Chinese, all drawn by the promise of fortune. However, this diversity also led to tensions and conflict. In 1851, the town became infamous for a period of violence that saw at least one homicide a week for 17 consecutive weeks.
One of the most notable events in Mokelumne Hill’s history was the ‘French War’ of 1851. It was sparked by the Foreign Miners’ Tax Act of 1850, which led French miners to revolt. They raised the French flag and declared independence, prompting the Governor to send a militia to restore order. Fortunately, bloodshed was avoided through negotiation.
Notorious figures like the bandit Joaquin Murrieta are said to have frequented the town’s gambling venues, adding to its wild reputation. As the gold started to run out in the 1860s, the town’s population and importance diminished, and when San Andreas became the new county seat in 1866, Mokelumne Hill’s status further declined.
Despite its quieter present, Mokelumne Hill remains a fascinating historical landmark. In the mid-20th century, it gained a quirky claim to fame as the home of Lucile S. Davidson, ‘the shoe lady of Mokelumne Hill,’ who held the world record for the largest privately owned glass shoe collection.
Today, visitors are drawn to Mokelumne Hill for its rich history and charming atmosphere, with many original buildings still standing as a reminder of its past glory.
