Peru, California facts for kids
Peru was once a small settlement and mining camp located in El Dorado County, California. It was found near the head of Irish Creek, close to another place called Sailors Flat. This area was important during the exciting time of the California Gold Rush.
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What Was Peru?
Peru was a temporary home for people hoping to find gold. A "settlement" is a place where people live, often for a short time. A "mining camp" is a settlement built specifically for miners. These camps often grew quickly when gold was discovered. They could disappear just as fast when the gold ran out.
A Look at El Dorado County
El Dorado County is in the central part of California. It is known for its beautiful natural areas and its rich history. The county played a huge role in the California Gold Rush. This was a time when many people rushed to California to search for gold. The county seat, Placerville, was once called "Hangtown" because of its rough early days.
The California Gold Rush Connection
The California Gold Rush began in 1848. Gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, which is also in El Dorado County. This discovery changed California forever. People from all over the world came to seek their fortune. They hoped to find gold in rivers and streams. Many small mining camps like Peru popped up during this time.
Life in a Mining Camp
Life in a mining camp was often very hard. Miners lived in tents or simple cabins. They worked long hours, digging and panning for gold. Food and supplies were expensive. There were few comforts. But the dream of striking it rich kept many people going. Camps like Peru were busy places, full of hope and hard work.
Why the Name "Peru"?
The name "Peru" for this California camp came from a group of miners. These miners had traveled all the way from Peru, Indiana. They decided to name their new camp after their hometown. It was a way to remember where they came from. Many places in California got their names from the hometowns of the miners.
Where Did Peru Go?
Like many mining camps, Peru did not last forever. Once the gold became harder to find, miners moved on to other areas. The buildings were abandoned, and nature slowly reclaimed the land. Today, Peru is no longer a populated place. It is just a historical site, a reminder of California's exciting Gold Rush past.
