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 3½’ 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 3½’ 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.)
Location. 37° 54.553′ N, 120° 27.139′ W. Marker is near Chinese Camp, California, in Tuolumne County. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Woods Crossing (approx. 2.4 miles away); Chinese Camp (approx. 2.9 miles away); St. James Church (approx. 3.3 miles away); Jamestown (approx. 3.3 miles away); Jamestown Hotel (approx. 3.4 miles away); The Emporium 1897 (approx. 3.4 miles away);
Another marker is no longer nearby. To Honor Eddie Webb (was approx. 2.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
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
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 1,955 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 25, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
