Yeomet, California facts for kids

Yeomet (also known as Saratoga or Forks of the Cosumnes) was a small town in Amador County, California. It was once a busy place where people came to mine for gold.

Yeomet was located where the Middle and North Forks of the Cosumnes River meet. This spot was about 1 mile (1.6 km) north of another old town called Enterprise.

What Does the Name Yeomet Mean?

The name Yeomet has an interesting history. It is believed to come from a Native American language.

Meaning of "Rocky Falls"

One idea is that Yeomet means "rocky falls." This makes sense because there were rapids, or fast-moving water, upstream from the town. These rapids looked like small waterfalls over rocks.

Meaning of "Sounding Rock"

Another idea suggests that Yeomet means "sounding rock." This might refer to how sounds echoed near the waterfalls. Some stories say these waterfalls were actually downstream from the town.

Early Days of Yeomet

Yeomet was first settled in 1850. Three men, Edwin Beebee, John D. Morrison, and E. M. Simpson, started the town.

First Businesses

These three settlers opened a trading post. A trading post was like a general store where miners could buy supplies. They ran this business until 1859.

Other Services in Town

Yeomet also had a hotel where travelers could stay. There was also a ferry, which was a boat used to cross the Cosumnes River. E. P. Bowman was in charge of both the hotel and the ferry.

Yeomet's Post Office

A post office was opened in Yeomet in 1854. It helped people send and receive letters and packages. The post office stayed open until 1861.

Why Yeomet Prospered and Faded

Yeomet became a busy place because of the gold rush. Many gold miners came to the area.

Gold Mining Boom

The town grew as miners found gold nearby. Businesses like the trading post, hotel, and ferry did well. They provided important services for the miners.

The Town's Decline

However, like many mining towns, Yeomet eventually faded away. As the gold became harder to find, miners moved on. The town slowly became less active and is now a former settlement.