Happy Valley, Calaveras County, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Happy Valley
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 Happy Valley
Location in California
Happy Valley
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Calaveras County |
| Elevation | 1,509 ft (460 m) |
Happy Valley is a small, quiet place in Calaveras County, California. It is known as an "unincorporated community." This means it's not a city or a town with its own local government. Instead, it's part of the larger county area. Happy Valley is located about 1,509 feet (460 meters) above sea level.
Contents
The History of Happy Valley
Happy Valley was first settled by people who came from France. These early settlers were interested in finding gold. They used a method called "placer gold mining." This involved sifting through sand and gravel in rivers to find gold flakes or nuggets.
Early Settlement and Gold Mining
The exact year Happy Valley was started is not known for sure. It might even be older than 1848. That was the year gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill, which started the famous California Gold Rush. The French settlers also grew grapes to make wine. This is called "viticulture." They even built a stone winery.
A Busy Community
At its busiest time, thousands of people lived in and around Happy Valley. These residents came from many different backgrounds and countries. They all hoped to find their fortune in the gold fields.
The Valley Today
Over time, the gold became harder to find. Many people moved away from Happy Valley. By the year 1956, only two buildings were left standing in the area. Today, Happy Valley remains a small, unincorporated community. It reminds us of California's exciting Gold Rush past.
