Indian Gulch, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Indian Gulch
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 Indian Gulch
Location in California
Indian Gulch
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Mariposa County |
| Elevation | 968 ft (295 m) |
Indian Gulch is a historic place in Mariposa County, California. It used to be called Indiangulch and Santa Cruz. This area is about 968 feet (295 meters) above sea level.
Contents
A Glimpse into Indian Gulch's Past
Indian Gulch started in the 1850s. It was a busy community during the California Gold Rush. Many people came here hoping to find gold.
Life in a Gold Mining Town
Back then, Indian Gulch was a lively place. It had a church, a hotel, and a blacksmith shop. Hundreds of people lived there, working hard in the gold mines.
The Church and Its Journey
The church was an important part of the community. By 1910, it was no longer used for services. In 1914, it was given to the Catholic Church. Later, in 1973, the church building was moved to Mariposa. At that time, only one person still lived in Indian Gulch. Sadly, the church building later burned down.
What Remains Today
Today, Indian Gulch is mostly a quiet place. You can still find a cemetery there. A few old buildings are also scattered around. These small reminders tell the story of a once-thriving gold mining town.
Communication and Services
Indian Gulch had a post office for many years. It operated from 1855 until 1912. There was a short break in service during 1901.
Original Name and Modern Connections
The area was first named Santa Cruz. This name came from the nearby Santa Cruz Mountain. This mountain is about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) to the north-northwest. Indian Gulch also had telephone service. However, it is believed that the town never had electricity.
