Columbia
History of the Area
California Historical Landmark number 272 states: “Douglas Flat was a roaring mining camp of the early 1850s. In 1857 the Harper and Lone Star Claims produced $130,000 worth of gold. The so-called Central Hill Channel, an ancient river deposit from which vast quantities of gold have been taken, is located here.”
Nearby Moaning Caverns were known to the Miwok tribe long before the gold rush. They had a legend about three maidens seeking husbands and an old and wise woman who advised them to go into Samwel Cave. One of the maidens fell down a shaft but the Miwok tribe was afraid of caves, so nobody went to look for the girl.
Some of the oldest human remains known in America were discovered in Moaning Cavern preserved by the mineral-rich water in the cave. Archeologists found a girl’s skelton at the bottom of a drop, knowing the Miwok legend they returned the 200 year old bones to the tribe. For more information see the Caverns and Spelunking in the Mother Lode page in the destination section.
Douglas Flat Zip Code: 95229
Related Links
Events
Calaveras Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Supervisor District 3 Town Hall
Board of Supervisors Chambers | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Mountain Youth and Community Theatre | 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Mind Over Matter
Tuolumne County Enrichment Center | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Celebrating Friendships Quilt Show
Gateway Community Church of Groveland | 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park | 10:30 am - 4:00 pm
Sweeney Todd performance
Mountain Youth and Community Theatre | 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Sonora Farmers' Market
Sonora Farmers Market | 7:30 am - 11:30 am
Tuolumne Country Veterans Hall | 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Farmers Market
Murphys Community Park | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Railtown 1897 Weekend Excursion Trains
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park | 10:30 am - 4:00 pm