Second Garrotte facts for kids
Second Garrotte is a ghost town located in Tuolumne County, California. A ghost town is a place where people used to live and work, but now it's mostly empty. Second Garrotte was first settled during the exciting time of the California Gold Rush. This was when many people moved to California hoping to find gold. The town sits at an elevation of about 2,894 feet (882 meters) in a spot called Second Garrotte Basin.
What's in a Name?
The name "Second Garrotte" comes from a nearby tree. This tree was known as a hanging tree. In the old days, during the Gold Rush, some places used these trees for justice. Local stories say that many people were involved in these events at the tree. However, some early settlers who lived there said that no such events happened.
The town of Groveland is nearby. It was once called "First Garrotte." This name also came from a similar event that happened there earlier.
A Special Historical Place
Second Garrotte is recognized as a California Historical Landmark. This means it's an important historical site in California.
Landmark Details
California Historical Landmark number 460 tells us more about Second Garrotte. It says that a large group of miners settled here in 1849. They came from other areas like Big Oak Flat and Groveland. This spot was rich in gold, especially from placer mining. Placer mining is a way to find gold by washing it out of sand or gravel. The landmark also mentions the famous hanging tree. Part of this tree was still standing in 1950. It was known for its role in enforcing laws during the town's busiest times.
