Holcomb Valley near Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Bellevill Holcomb Valley
Belleville
Photographed by Craig Baker, September 7, 2024
1. Bellevill Holcomb Valley Marker
Founded in late 1859, Bellevill was named after Belle Van Dusen, the first child born in Holcomb Valley. She was the daughter of Ted Van Dusen, the town blacksmith and early pioneer.
Erected 1979 by Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 21.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 34° 18.085′ N, 116° 53.145′ W. Marker is near Big Bear Lake, California, in San Bernardino County. It is in Holcomb Valley. It is on Holcomb Valley Road (Forest Road 3N16) half a mile east of Forest Road 3N09, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Big Bear City CA 92314, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles, in the San Bernardino Mountains, in the Peninsular Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse Ranges. It is also in the American Southwest. 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: People Came and Left This Meadow (a few steps from this marker); The Pigmy Cabin (approx. 0.4 miles away); Big Bear Valley (approx. 2.8 miles away); Woodland Club Caddy Shack (approx. 3.4 miles away); 5 Stamp Mill (approx. 3.4 miles away); Main Museum Building
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Holcomb Valley (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. This site is part of a self-guided auto tour of the Holcomb Valley that highlights the rich gold mining history of the area. Visit the nearby Big Bear Discovery Center for a brochure, maps, and current conditions. Vehicle with high ground clearance recommended.
Regarding Bellevill Holcomb Valley. The gold discovery in Holcomb Valley attracted some of the very worst characters and night was made dreadful by the drunken yells and cursing. Firearms were fired off at all hours of the night and day rendering the valley unsafe for anyone. Of the 40 or 50 men who were shot at different times, not more than three or four innocent men were killed. The rest of those shot were of the tough element, usually strangers in the valley and they rest in unmarked graves.
Source: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069
Photographed by Michael Kindig
2. Bellevill Holcomb Valley Marker
Also see . . .
1. Belleville - Ghost Town. Information and photos of the area. (Submitted on December 29, 2011.)
2. Legends of the American West. A short history of Belleville and the surrounding Holcomb Valley. (Submitted on December 29, 2011.)
3. Holcomb Valley Near Big Bear. A YouTube driving tour of Holcomb Valley complete with photos. (Submitted on July 21, 2018.)
4. Printable Self-Guided Auto Tour Brochure. (Submitted on September 8, 2024.)
Additional commentary.
1. Belleville
About three miles north of Big Bear Lake lies Holcomb Valley. It's now a peaceful sheltered area, but in the 1860's it was the scene of the largest gold rush in Southern California. One of the landmarks of the area is the site of Belleville, the valley's largest town, reputed to have reached a population of 10,000 and to have been a hotbed of Confederate sympathizers during the Civil War. By 1862 Belleville was challenging San Bernardino to become the county seat. The story goes that Belleville lost in the election only because a ballot box from Belleville was "accidentally" lost in a bonfire on election night.
Source: Historic Spots in California 5th Edition.
— Submitted December 29, 2011. 
Photographed by Michael Kindig, June 18, 2011
3. Belleville Cabin
The cabin was moved here to represent structures once common in Holcomb Valley.
Additional keywords. Belleville
Photographed by Michael Kindig, June 18, 2011
4. Belleville Cabin
Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 3, 2013
5. Event Patch
Credits. This page was last revised on March 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 2,101 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1. submitted on September 8, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on December 17, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 3, 4. submitted on December 22, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 5. submitted on March 1, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
