1/15/2025
1/15/2025
1/15/2025
Landmark information
- Location:
NW corner of Hwy 120/49 and Main St, Chinese Camp - Plaque:
Official State Plaque - Site:
Existing - Date First Visited:
6/19/1998 - Date Most Recently Visited:
1/15/2025 - GPS Coordinates:
N 37 52.257, W 120 25.878
About this landmark
Plaque text:
Mark Twain Bret Harte Trail
Chinese Camp
Reportedly founded about 1849 by group of Englishmen who employed Chinese as miners. Much surface gold found on hills and flats. Headquarters for stage lines in early 1850's, and for several California Chinese mining companies. First Chinese Tong War in state fought near here between Sam Yap and Yan Woo tongs. Present stone and brick post office built 1854, still standing. St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church built 1855, restored 1949, first pastor, Father Henry Aleric.