Near Groveland in Tuolumne County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Second Garrote

— Mark Twain Bret Harte Trail —

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 16, 2006

1. Second Garrote Mark Twain Bret Harte Trail Marker

Inscription. Sizable settlement established at this rich placer location in 1849 by miners spreading east from Big Oak Flat and Groveland. Famous Hangman's Tree, part of which still stands (1950), reported to have been instrumental in death of a number of law-breakers during heyday of this locality, hence its name.

Erected 1950 by Tablet Placed By California Centennials Commission. Base Provided By Charles G. Hall Post No. 3668 V.F.W. Dedicated September 15, 1950. (Marker Number 460.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Landmarks • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Mark Twain Bret Harte Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 37° 49.492′ N, 120° 11.748′ W. Marker is near Groveland, California, in Tuolumne County. It is on Old California Highway 120 (Highway 120), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Groveland CA 95321, 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Arrastra (approx. 2 miles away); Groveland Hotel (approx. 2.1 miles away); Iron Door Saloon (approx. 2.1 miles away); Groveland

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(approx. 2.1 miles away); Joseph E. Lemos (approx. 3.4 miles away); Big Oak Flat (approx. 3½ miles away); MCH History (approx. 6.2 miles away); Haigh Ranch (approx. 6.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Groveland.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 16, 2006

2. Second Garrote Mark Twain Bret Harte Trail Marker

Hanging Tree Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 16, 2006

3. Hanging Tree Plaque

This plaque is attached to The Hanging Tree

The Hanging Tree image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 16, 2006

4. The Hanging Tree

Marker and Hanging Tree image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 16, 2006

5. Marker and Hanging Tree

Vintage Postcard of The Hangman's Tree <br>(Site of many executions) image. Click for full size.

Mike Roberts, Berkeley, Ca. Distributed by Bob Ball, Visalia,Ca

6. Vintage Postcard of The Hangman's Tree
(Site of many executions)

One of the many historical Mother Lode landmarks on scenic Highway 120 to Yosemite National Park. A sixty-mile drive through a Sierra Mountain wonderland

Credits. This page was last revised on January 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,454 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on December 30, 2020, by James King of San Miguel, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 14, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on September 4, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.