Near Chinese Camp in Tuolumne County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Montezuma
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 23, 2006
1. Montezuma Marker
Inscription.
Montezuma. . First record of Montezuma was June 1850 when partners Solomon Miller and Peter K. Aurand, proprietors of the 'Montezuma Tent,' were attacked and Aurand killed by a group of Mexicans during the foreign miners tax excitement of that period. Due to the lack of water, little mining occurred here until 1852 when a ditch and flume were completed bringing water for placer mining. Two types of mining were carried on, placer operations on the flats and tunnels extending under Table Mountain. The gravel produced 3˝˘ per pan in the mid 50s. The yield was from $5 to $10 per day. One placer nugget found in 1853 weighed 18 lbs 8 oz. By late 1852 the population was about 800. At its zenith Montezuma City had four saloons, two hotels, Adams Express Co., post office, church, some homes, and many tents and cabins. The town was nearly destroyed by an incendiary fire which started in Clarks Hotel on June 29, 1866.
First record of Montezuma was June 1850 when partners Solomon Miller and Peter K. Aurand, proprietors of the 'Montezuma Tent,' were attacked and Aurand killed by a group of Mexicans during the foreign miners tax excitement of that period. Due to the lack of water, little mining occurred here until 1852 when a ditch and flume were completed bringing water for placer mining. Two types of mining were carried on, placer operations on the flats and tunnels extending under Table Mountain. The gravel produced 3˝˘ per pan in the mid 50s. The yield was from $5 to $10 per day. One placer nugget found in 1853 weighed 18 lbs 8 oz. By late 1852 the population was about 800. At its zenith Montezuma City had four saloons, two hotels, Adams Express Co., post office, church, some homes, and many tents and cabins. The town was nearly destroyed by an incendiary fire which started in Clarks Hotel on June 29, 1866.
Erected 1986 by Matuca Chapter No. 1849 E. Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 122.)
37° 54.553′ N, 120° 27.139′ W. Marker is near Chinese Camp, California, in Tuolumne County. Marker is on State Highway 49, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chinese Camp CA 95309, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regarding Montezuma. In 1933 this was designated California Historic Landmark No. 122.
Also see . . . Peter K. Aurand. Descendent's article posted on Find-A-Grave.com. (Submitted on September 2, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Additional keywords. Gold Rush
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 23, 2006
2. Montezuma Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,413 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 25, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
