Elizabethtown, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabethtown
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Former settlement
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California Historical Landmark marker at the site of the former town
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Plumas County |
| Reference #: | 231 |
Elizabethtown, California, was a lively town during the California Gold Rush. It started in 1852 in Plumas County, California. The town got its name from Elizabeth Stark Blakesley, a woman who lived in the mining camp.
People say that millions of dollars worth of gold were found in the Elizabethtown area. The town grew from smaller gold mining camps. These camps were all around American Valley, where Quincy, CA is today.
Contents
Early Settlers and Gold Discovery
In 1852, a group of 10 to 15 families traveled through Beckwourth Pass. This pass was made by James Beckwourth, an early explorer. They brought many horses, oxen, and cows. These supplies helped them become the first settlers of American Valley. When they arrived, they met hundreds of Maidu Indians. The Maidu people were peaceful and friendly.
Finding Gold in the Ravines
In 1852, Alexander and Frank Tate found gold in Tate Ravine. Soon after, Lewis Stark, Peter Day, and George Ferrier explored Elizabeth Ravine. By noon, they had panned out an ounce of gold. After eating, they used a rocker to find several more ounces. They then dug a small ditch and discovered one large 28-ounce gold piece. This amazing find brought many miners to the area. Their arrival helped the small settlement grow into a village.
A New Name and Hard Times
Elizabethtown was also known as Betysburg for a while. This was due to a friendly rivalry with the nearby town of Quincy. The winter of 1852 and 1853 was very harsh. Supplies were low, and people faced hunger. In the spring of 1853, the Stark family traveled to Sacramento Valley. They brought back many cattle to provide beef for the hungry families.
Town Life and Growth
In 1854, a Masonic Lodge was built in Elizabethtown. The town also got postal service that year. Lewis Stark became the first Postmaster. W.A. Blakesley was his helper and used his house as the post office. In January 1855, the postal service moved to Quincy.
Busy Businesses and Community
Between 1853 and 1856, Elizabethtown's population grew to about 2,000 to 2,500 people. In the first year, over 30 business licenses were given out. The main street stretched across the entire town. There were many different shops and two-story buildings. The town had places for people to stay and eat. There was also a lodge for the Sons of Temperance. This group worked to reduce alcohol use and had over 200 members.
The Town's Decline
By 1857 and 1858, many people started leaving Elizabethtown. This was partly because of the exciting new gold discoveries in the Comstock mines in Virginia City, Nevada (see Comstock Lode). Many residents moved to other valleys, like Indian Valley and Honey Lake Valley.
Moving On and Disappearing
Many buildings from Elizabethtown were carefully moved to Quincy. They were then rebuilt there. Slowly, the town of Elizabethtown faded away into history.
Remembering Elizabethtown
After a big flood in January 1997, called the "New Year's Flood," something interesting was found. A local resident discovered the cobblestone corner of a building's foundation. It had been uncovered by the strong water flow in the creek. The old brick foundation has since been covered up again and cannot be seen now.
There is a special stone and metal monument to the town. It was placed by the Native Sons and Daughters of Quincy on September 9, 1927. This monument helps remember the history of Elizabethtown.
