Calaveritas, California

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Calaveritas ("little skulls" in Spanish) is an unincorporated community in Calaveras County, California. It sits an elevation of 1,120 feet (339 m) above sea level and is located at 38.15806° N 120.60889° W.

Founded by Mexicans in 1849, the mining camp was relatively successful and by 1853, Calaveritas was well-established with one livery stable, two butcher shops, several general stores, restaurants, saloons, gambling halls, and fandango houses. Notorious bandit Joaquin Murietta was supposedly a frequent visitor to the latter two.

The town reached its peak in 1857, with an estimated population of around 800, the majority being Mexican or Chinese, but on August 3, 1858, a fire destroyed most of the buildings. By this time, the gold production had greatly declined and most of its inhabitants moved to other locales.

The town today is registered as California Historical Landmark #255.

[edit] External link

• Maps and aerial photos Coordinates: 38.15806° -120.60889°
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