Poverty Bar, California facts for kids

Poverty Bar was a small town in Calaveras County, California. It existed from about the 1850s until 1862. Today, this former settlement is covered by the waters of Camanche Reservoir. The closest modern town is Campo Seco, California.

History of Poverty Bar

Poverty Bar began as a gold mining town. This was during the exciting time of the California Gold Rush. It was located south of the Mokelumne River. The town was near other mining spots like Camanche, California, Cat Camp, and Sand Hill. Poverty Bar even had its own post office. It opened in 1858 and closed in 1864.

The Great Fire of 1859

On September 7, 1859, a big fire swept through Poverty Bar. It started in a grocery store. The flames spread very quickly. In just a few minutes, the whole town was burning. This fire caused a lot of damage to the small community.

Poverty Bar During the Civil War

During the American Civil War, the town played a part. In 1861, the people of Poverty Bar formed a local defense group. It was called the Union Guard. This was a California Militia Company. They helped protect the area. However, as the town's population got smaller, the company had to move. By 1866, the Union Guard moved its headquarters to Campo Seco.

Moving the Cemetery

In 1962, the Camanche Reservoir was going to be filled with water. Before this happened, the graves from Poverty Bar's cemetery were moved. They were carefully transferred to two other cemeteries. Some went to the Pioneer Cemetery. Others were moved to the People's Cemetery in San Andreas. This made sure the old graves were safe from the rising water.