Hunt's Hill, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hunt's Hill
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Former settlement
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 Hunt's Hill, California
Location in California
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County | Nevada |
| Elevation | 2,904 ft (885 m) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1682901 |
Hunt's Hill was once a busy mining town in Nevada County, California. It was also known as Hunts Hill or, in earlier times, Gouge Eye. This historic spot is found in the Sierra Nevada foothills. It lies about 6 miles southeast of Nevada City. Today, Hunt's Hill is just a historic site.
Contents
The Start of Hunt's Hill
Hunt's Hill began in 1852. A miner named Hunt founded the town. It was built in a very rich gold mining area. This area was known for its "Blue Lead channel." This channel held lots of gold-filled gravel.
The Name "Gouge Eye"
In 1855, something interesting happened. Some French miners had a gold claim. Another group tried to take their claim. This led to a fight. During the fight, one of the French miners lost an eye. After this event, that specific mine was called "Gouge Eye." Sometimes, the whole town was also called by this unusual name.
Life in the Mining Town
By 1857, Hunt's Hill was growing. It had two saloons and a hotel. There was also a blacksmith shop and a stable. You could find a butcher shop and a shoe store. Several grocery stores served the miners and residents.
Getting Around and Gold Mining
In 1858, a stagecoach line started. This made it easier to travel to and from Nevada City. By 1866, gold mining was still strong. Seven "cement mills" were working. These mills helped get gold from the hard "blue cement" rock.
The Town's Decline
Like many mining towns, Hunt's Hill eventually faded. By 1880, it was much smaller. The town had only one store and saloon combined. Just a few houses remained.
A Quiet Place
In 1895, a local guide described the town. It said, "At the present time there is not much doing there." This meant the town was very quiet. Even though it was quiet, the guide still listed a justice of the peace and a constable. This suggests that even small events could be interesting back then!
