Angels Camp ghost town, California

Angels Camp

Angels Camp is where Mark Twain heard the tale that became 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras

State: California County: Calaveras County Founded: 1848

Angels Camp is where Mark Twain heard the tale that became 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County' (1865), launching his literary career. The annual Jumping Frog Jubilee continues today. The town produced over $100 million in gold and is the only incorporated city in Calaveras County.

Timeline

  • 1848 - Founding George Angel established trading post.
  • 1850s - Gold Boom Major gold production—over $100 million eventually extracted.
  • 1865 - Mark Twain Samuel Clemens heard frog-jumping tale at Angels Hotel, wrote 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.'
  • 1928-Present - Frog Jubilee Annual Jumping Frog Jubilee continues Twain's legacy.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: May (Jumping Frog Jubilee) or spring/fall

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 2-3 hours

Tips

  • Angels Hotel (where Twain heard the story) preserved
  • Annual Jumping Frog Jubilee in May
  • Historic Main Street
  • Only incorporated city in Calaveras County

Quick Facts

  • Mark Twain's literary career launched from a story heard here
  • Annual Jumping Frog Jubilee continues since 1928
  • Over $100 million in gold extracted
  • Only incorporated city in Calaveras County

Location

Address: Angels Camp, Calaveras County, California

Coordinates: 38.0686, -120.5394

Sources