Cherokee Flat, California facts for kids

Cherokee Flat, California is a name that can be a bit confusing because it refers to two different places in California! Both of these places have interesting histories, especially tied to the California Gold Rush. When you hear "Cherokee Flat," it might mean a small community in Butte County or another historic spot in Calaveras County, which is now known as Altaville.

What is Cherokee, California (Butte County)?

Cherokee, California, is a small community located in Butte County. It's nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This area became famous during the California Gold Rush. It was not just any gold mining town; it was known for something special.

How Did Cherokee Get Its Name?

The name "Cherokee" comes from a group of Cherokee Native Americans. They were among the first to discover gold in this specific area. This happened around 1849, right at the start of the Gold Rush. Their discovery led to a rush of miners to the spot.

What Made Cherokee Special?

Cherokee was unique because of its rich deposits of "channel gold." This gold was found in ancient riverbeds, buried deep under layers of gravel and dirt. Miners used a method called hydraulic mining to get to this gold. This involved using powerful jets of water to wash away hillsides. While it brought a lot of gold, it also changed the landscape quite a bit.

The Diamond Discovery

Beyond gold, Cherokee also became known for diamonds! In the 1850s, several diamonds were found in the area. This was a rare occurrence in California. The most famous diamond found there was the "Cherokee Diamond." It weighed over five carats. This made Cherokee one of the few places in the United States where diamonds were naturally found.

Life in a Mining Town

Like many Gold Rush towns, Cherokee had a lively but tough life. Miners came from all over the world. They hoped to strike it rich. The town had stores, saloons, and places for miners to live. Its population grew quickly during its peak. Today, Cherokee is much quieter. It remains a historic site. It reminds us of California's exciting past.

What is Altaville, California (Calaveras County)?

Altaville, California, is another historic community. It is located in Calaveras County. This area is also in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Altaville has a rich history connected to the Gold Rush. It was once known by the name "Cherokee Flat" too. This is why the name can be confusing!

Why Was Altaville Called Cherokee Flat?

The area now known as Altaville was originally called Cherokee Flat. This name was given by early miners. They likely named it after the Cherokee Native Americans. These groups were often involved in early mining efforts. The name "Cherokee Flat" was common for several mining camps. It showed the presence or influence of Cherokee miners.

From Cherokee Flat to Altaville

The name of the town changed over time. It became known as Altaville. This change happened as the town grew and developed. Altaville became an important supply center for the surrounding mining camps. It was a hub for goods and services. Miners would come to Altaville to get their supplies.

Altaville's Role in the Gold Rush

Altaville played a key role in the Gold Rush. It was located near many productive gold mines. The town supported the miners with various businesses. These included general stores, blacksmith shops, and hotels. It was a place where miners could rest and resupply. The community thrived on the gold economy.

Historic Buildings and Legacy

Today, Altaville still has some historic buildings. These structures stand as reminders of its Gold Rush past. The town is part of the larger historic area of Calaveras County. This county is famous for its Gold Rush heritage. Altaville helps tell the story of how California grew. It shows how mining towns shaped the state's early development.

Images for kids

• Cherokee, California.jpg

  A view of the historic Cherokee mining area in Butte County.

• Altaville, California.jpg

  A historic building in Altaville, Calaveras County.