Democrat, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Democrat Hill
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Former settlement
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 Democrat Hill
Location in California
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County | Nevada County |
| Elevation | 4,170 ft (1,271 m) |
Democrat, originally known as Democrat Hill, was once a small settlement in Nevada County, California. It was located on the Chalk Bluff ridge, a high area of land. This spot was about 6 miles southeast of the town of Washington. Its elevation was 4,170 feet (1,271 meters) above sea level. The area was known for its gold, which was found in a special type of gravel channel.
Contents
What Was Democrat Hill?
Democrat Hill was a place where miners came to find gold during the California Gold Rush. It was established in 1856. The settlement got its start when miners found a lot of gold there.
A Gold Rush Story
In 1856, miners discovered very rich gold deposits near Remington Hill. They named their new discovery "Democrat Hill." A local newspaper reported that three men found a lot of gold in just one day. This was a huge success for them.
Mining for Gold
Mining activity continued in the area for many years. In 1874, people were using two main methods to get gold:
- Drift mining: This involved digging tunnels into hillsides to follow gold-rich gravel channels.
- Hydraulic mining: This method used powerful jets of water to wash away hillsides. The water would then carry the gold-bearing gravel into sluices, which are long boxes that separate gold from dirt.
By 1880, a group called the Wick Brothers were still working a small hydraulic mine there. However, hydraulic mining mostly stopped in California after a court decision in 1884. This decision, known as the Sawyer decision, limited hydraulic mining because it caused a lot of environmental damage.
The Name's Origin
The name "Democrat Hill" appeared on maps and in mining records. Later, the "Hill" part was dropped, and it was just called "Democrat." No one is completely sure why the name was chosen or why "Hill" was removed. However, it's thought that the name might have come from the political beliefs of the miners who first settled there in 1856.
Democrat Hill Today
Today, the area where Democrat Hill once stood is very remote. It is part of the Tahoe National Forest. There are not many people living there now. It's a quiet place, far from busy towns.
