Fourth Crossing, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fourth Crossing
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 Fourth Crossing
Location in California
Fourth Crossing
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Calaveras County |
| Elevation | 922 ft (281 m) |
| Reference #: | 258 |
Fourth Crossing is a small, unofficial community in Calaveras County, California. It used to be called Foremans. This historic spot is located about 922 feet (281 meters) above sea level. You can find it along State Route 49. The area uses ZIP code 95248 and area code 209.
Contents
What is Fourth Crossing?
Fourth Crossing is not an official city or town. It is known as an "unincorporated community." This means it's a small group of homes and buildings that are not part of a larger city government. Instead, it is managed by the county.
How Fourth Crossing Got Its Name
This community is located right on the San Antonio Creek. It was first named Foremans, after its founder, David Foreman. He set up a way for people to cross the river.
The name changed to Fourth Crossing because it was the fourth place where travelers had to cross a river on the road from Stockton to Murphys. David Foreman first used a ferry to help people cross. Later, a toll bridge was built in its place. This old bridge is still there today, just west of the modern Highway 49 bridge.
Gold Rush History
Fourth Crossing became very famous in the 1850s during the California Gold Rush. It was known for its rich gold deposits.
Types of Gold Mining
At first, miners found gold using "placer mining." This meant they would find gold flakes and nuggets in riverbeds and streams. Later, they switched to "lode mining." This involved digging deep into the ground to find gold veins within rocks.
A Busy Trading Post
Even after the gold started to run out, Fourth Crossing remained important. It became a busy stop for stagecoaches and a place where goods were moved. It served many of the mining towns in the southern part of the county until the early 1900s. The first local court, called a Justice Court, was also set up here. It had a Justice of the Peace who handled local legal matters.
Fourth Crossing Today
Today, Fourth Crossing is much smaller than it used to be. It is now just a few buildings. However, its history is still remembered. It is recognized as California Historical Landmark #258. This means it is an important historical site in California.
A post office was opened in Fourth Crossing in 1855. It closed in 1888, then reopened in 1892, but finally closed for good in 1925.
