Copperopolis in Calaveras County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Black Bart at Funk Hill
Copperopolis
Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 7, 2009
1. Black Bart at Funk Hill Marker
July 1875, at Funk Hill 4 miles due east Black Bart, alias Charles E. Bolton or Boles, wearing a flour sack mask and a linen duster, waving a double-barrelled shot gun held up the Wells Fargo Sonora to Milton Stage. The first successful stage robbery in California. For eight years he was the scourge and terror of California roads. Often leaving a few lines of doggerel at the scene:
Ive labored long and hard for bread,
For honor and for riches,
But on my corns too long youve tred,
You fine-haired sons of b------.
Twenty eight robberies later Bart again struck at Funk Hill, only to be wounded and to leave clues leading to his capture in San Francisco. Released from San Quentin January 23, 1888, he disappeared after getting off the train in Visalia.
Erected 1988 by Matuca Chapter 1849 & Tuleburgh Chapter 69, E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 23, 1888.
Location. 37° 58.913′ N, 120° 38.556′ W. Marker is in Copperopolis, California, in Calaveras County. It can be reached from Main Street, on the left
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and 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 walking distance of this marker: Copperopolis Park (a few steps from this marker); The Copperopolis Bell and Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Copperopolis (approx. Ό mile away); Congregational Church (approx. Ό mile away); Calaveras Telephone (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Copperopolis (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Old Corner Saloon (approx. 0.4 miles away); Thomas McCarty (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Copperopolis.
Also see . . . Black Bart. A collection of articles devoted to Black Bart detailing his history, robberies, arrest, etc. (Submitted on June 9, 2009.)
Additional keywords. Outlaws
Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 7, 2009
2. Copper Park
Marker can be seen to the right.
Photographed by Syd Whittle
3. Calaveras County Court Room
Courtroom in San Andreas where Black Bart was tried, convicted and sentenced.
Unknown photographer, via Wikipedia Commons, circa 1888
4. Charles E. Boles aka Charles E. Bolton alias Black Bart
Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 7,973 times since then and 112 times this year. Last updated on November 9, 2013, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 9, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on September 15, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on June 22, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
