A. E. Coleman facts for kids
A. E. "Fred" Coleman was an important person in California's history. He was a former slave who made a big discovery: he found gold in a place called Julian, California. This discovery started a huge gold rush in that area!
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Fred Coleman's Life and His Big Discovery
Fred Coleman lived in the Julian area with his Kumeyaay wife, Marian, and their eleven children. He worked as a cattle herder, taking care of cows and other livestock.
In the winter of 1869, something amazing happened. Fred was watering his horse in a small creek. As he watched, he noticed shiny flecks of gold in the water! Fred had worked in gold fields in Northern California before, so he knew exactly what he was seeing.
The Julian Gold Rush Begins
News of Fred Coleman's discovery spread quickly. Within just a few weeks, more than 800 people, called prospectors, rushed into the area hoping to find their own gold. This new mining area was named the Coleman Mining District, honoring Fred's discovery. The people living there even elected Fred Coleman to be its recorder, which meant he kept track of all the mining claims.
Remembering Fred Coleman Today
Even today, you can find reminders of Fred Coleman in Julian. The creek where he first found gold is now called Coleman Creek. It's a bit hidden by plants and trees now, but it's still there. A nearby street, Coleman Circle, is also named after him.
Other African American Pioneers in Julian
Fred Coleman was one of several African Americans who played a big part in the early days of the Julian gold rush. Other brave and hardworking African Americans from the area included Albert and Margaret Robinson. They were the founders of the Robinson Hotel, a famous place in Julian. Another important pioneer was America Newton. These individuals helped build the community of Julian during its exciting gold rush period.
