Mokelumne Hill
Mokelumne Hill ('Mok Hill') was one of the deadliest Gold Rush towns—at least one murder per week fo
State: California
County: Calaveras County
Founded: 1848
Peak Population: 15,000
Mokelumne Hill ('Mok Hill') was one of the deadliest Gold Rush towns—at least one murder per week for 17 weeks. It was the first Calaveras County seat (1852-1866) and peaked at 15,000 residents. The 1854 Hotel Leger still operates. California Historical Landmark #269.
Timeline
- 1848 - Founding One of the earliest Gold Rush camps, founded along Mokelumne River.
- 1850-1851 - Peak Violence At least one murder per week for 17 consecutive weeks.
- 1852 - County Seat Became first Calaveras County seat.
- 1854 - Hotel Leger Stone hotel built; still operates today.
- Peak - Population Reached 15,000 residents.
- 1866 - Lost County Seat San Andreas became county seat.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring or fall
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Tips
- Hotel Leger (1854) still operates
- California Historical Landmark #269
- Historic downtown preserved
Quick Facts
- At least one murder per week for 17 straight weeks during peak Gold Rush
- First Calaveras County seat (1852-1866)
- Hotel Leger (1854) is one of California's oldest continuously operating hotels
- Population reached 15,000—now about 700
Location
Address: Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras County, California
Coordinates: 38.2997, -120.7097