Weaverville in Trinity County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Spanish Corral

Photographed by Paul Lapachet, February 26, 2015

1. Spanish Corral Marker

Inscription. On this lot stood the Spanish Corral, a dance hall house of ill repute for over a decade during the Gold Rush. Two legislative acts of 1855, banned gambling and prostitution. Every fourth business in town was a saloon with ladies of the night, and soiled doves. Isaac Cox wrote of Weaverville, "The entire town seemed a red-light district." But by 1860, many prostitutes had been run out of town. The "ladies" at the Spanish Corral wanted out. They hired some packers to take them to Shasta. A running gun battle ensued between the owner of the Spanish Corral and the women and packers down Main Street. Over 60 rounds were fired, but not a single soul was injured. From the three story Chinese Boomerang to the Spanish Corral, Isaac Cox wrote, "What a Hell was there! The dark regions of crime had vomited forth her stores of lewdness, ignorance and avarice; of meanness and society-cankering rapacity; yet, liberty and freedom was there." Some of the most notable women were Charlotte Bush, Medora McGinchy, Madam Marie Legogneur (LaBeau or La Fontaine), China Em and the infamous Julia C. Bulette who rose to fame in Virginia City, Nevada.

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The respectability of the town was gained by the fires of 1859 and 1863, cleansing the town of its wickedness and debauchery.

Erected 2014 by Mt. Bally Parlor #87 of the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Hon. Michael B. Regan, (Chapters #62 & #1) and the Trinitarianus Chapter 62 of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists.

Location. 40° 44.063′ N, 122° 56.423′ W. Marker is in Weaverville, California, in Trinity County. It is at the intersection of Court Street and Center Street, on the right when traveling north on Court Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Weaverville CA 96093, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Shasta Cascade,

on the Coast Ranges,

and in the Klamath Mountains.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and specifically in the Pacific

Spanish Corral Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Paul Lapachet, February 26, 2015

2. Spanish Corral Monument

Northwest.

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 walking distance of this marker: Site of First Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Weaverville Bandstand (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Clifford Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Weaverville Drug Store (within shouting distance of this marker); I.O.O.F. Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Spiral Staircases (about 300 feet away); New York Hotel (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Weaverville.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2016, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 1,149 times since then and 122 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2016, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.