Frenchtown, El Dorado County, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frenchtown
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Country | United States |
State | California |
County | El Dorado County |
Elevation | 1,165 ft (355 m) |
Population
(2010)
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• Total | 364 |
Frenchtown, which used to be called French Creek, is a small community in El Dorado County, California. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's part of the larger county. Frenchtown is located near French Creek, about 2 miles (3.2 km) southeast of Shingle Springs. It sits at an elevation of 1,165 feet (355 meters) above sea level.
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Discovering Frenchtown
Frenchtown is a quiet place with a small population. In 2010, about 364 people lived there. Even though it's small, it has an interesting history tied to the early days of California.
Where is Frenchtown?
Frenchtown is nestled in the beautiful landscape of El Dorado County. This county is in the eastern part of California, known for its rolling hills and historical connection to the California Gold Rush. The community's location on French Creek means it's close to a natural water source, which was very important in the past.
The History of Frenchtown
Frenchtown began as a busy place called a mining camp. This was a temporary settlement where people lived while they searched for valuable minerals, especially gold. During the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, many people came to California hoping to strike it rich.
French Miners and the Gold Rush
The original mining camp in this area was set up by miners who came from France and French Canada. They were looking for gold in the creeks and rivers. Because so many French-speaking miners settled there, the place became known as French Creek, and later, Frenchtown. It shows how different groups of people helped shape California's history and its names.