Rich Gulch, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rich Gulch
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 Rich Gulch
Location in California
Rich Gulch
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Calaveras County |
| Elevation | 1,903 ft (580 m) |
Rich Gulch, once known as Pleasant Springs, is a small, unincorporated community in Calaveras County, California. An unincorporated community is a place that is not part of an official city or town. It is located about 5 miles (8 km) east-northeast of Mokelumne Hill. This area sits at an elevation of 1903 feet (580 meters). Rich Gulch was a very important place during California's famous Gold Rush!
Rich Gulch: A Gold Rush Town
Rich Gulch was once a busy center for gold mining. It even served as the main government center, or "seat," for Calaveras County for a time.
Gold Mining Days
In the 1850s, Rich Gulch was at its busiest. Around five thousand people lived there, all hoping to find gold. It was a major spot for miners.
The town saw another wave of mining activity in the 1880s. People were still finding gold, keeping the community alive.
Post Office History
A post office first opened in Rich Gulch in 1855. At that time, the community was called Pleasant Springs.
In 1857, the name of the post office, and the town, officially changed to Rich Gulch. The post office closed in 1867. It reopened in 1887 but finally closed for good in 1903.
