Big Oak Flat in Tuolumne County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Big Oak Flat
Mark Twain Bret Harte Trail
Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 16, 2006
1. Mark Twain Bret Harte Trail - Big Oak Flat Marker
First called Savage Diggins after the man who discovered gold here, 1848. Renamed Big Oak Flat about 1850 after giant oak tree that stood in the center of town, near this spot. Oak, which was about 13 feet in diameter and was undermined in 1869 and burned in 1890. Pieces remain. Rich placer and lode mines are reported to have yielded $28,000,000 during heyday. Stone buildings erected 1852. Still standing in 1949.Erected 1949 by The California Centennials Commission and The Boys Service Club, Sonora Union High School. (Marker Number 406.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • 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 1848.
Location. 37° 49.361′ N, 120° 15.639′ W. Marker is in Big Oak Flat, California, in Tuolumne County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 120 and Vassar Street, on the right when traveling
Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 16, 2006
2. Big Oak Flat Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Joseph E. Lemos (approx. 0.2 miles away); Groveland (approx. 2 miles away); Iron Door Saloon (approx. 2 miles away); Groveland Hotel (approx. 2 miles away); Arrastra (approx. 2.2 miles away); Ferretti Shrine (approx. 3.3 miles away); Second Garrote (approx. 3½ miles away); Stevens Bar Bridge (approx. 4.8 miles away).
Regarding Big Oak Flat. The stone buildings mentioned on the marker are no longer there.
The pieces of the oak tree mentioned on the marker are located in the barred area under the marker.
Also see . . . Ghost Towns.Com. Big Oak Flat. (Submitted on September 2, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 16, 2006
3. Building in Big Oak Flat
Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 16, 2006
4. Big Oak State Historic Landmark Directional Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,724 times since then and 24 times this year. Last updated on March 24, 2022, by James King of San Miguel, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 2, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3, 4. submitted on December 8, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
