Coulterville
Coulterville had one of the largest Chinatowns in the Mother Lode (1,000 Chinese of 5,000 total). Th
State: California
County: Mariposa County
Founded: 1849-1850
Coulterville had one of the largest Chinatowns in the Mother Lode (1,000 Chinese of 5,000 total). The Sun Sun Wo Co. Store (1851) survives—its adobe construction helped it survive the fires that destroyed other buildings. Mining continued until 1970s. National Register Historic District.
Timeline
- 1849-1850 - Founding George Coulter set up supply tent. Mexican miners called it 'Banderita' for the flag.
- 1851 - Sun Sun Wo Store Chinese-owned adobe store established. Adobe construction saved it from fires.
- 1853 - Official Name Named Coulterville. Transitioned from placer to hard-rock mining.
- Peak - Large Chinatown 1,000 Chinese residents of 5,000 total—one of Mother Lode's largest Chinatowns.
- 1854 - Outlaw Justice Leon Ruiz robbed and murdered Chinese miners; met frontier justice.
- 1970s - Mining Ends Last mining operations ceased.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring or fall
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Tips
- Sun Sun Wo Co. Store (1851) still stands
- Main Street Historic District on National Register
- Near Yosemite route
- California Historical Landmark
Quick Facts
- Mexican miners named it 'Banderita' (little flag)
- Sun Sun Wo Co. Store survived fires that destroyed other buildings due to adobe construction
- Mining continued until the 1970s—unusual longevity
- Had one of Mother Lode's largest Chinatowns (1,000 residents)
Location
Address: Coulterville, Mariposa County, California
Coordinates: 37.7133, -120.1942