Site Information
| Landmark Number: |
423 |
| Location: |
NW corner of State Hwy 120 (P.M. 15.9) and Main Street, Chinese Camp, Tuolumne County |
| Marker Plaque: |
Official State Plaque |
Description
from California Historical Landmarks
Reportedly founded about 1849 by a group of Englishmen who
employed Chinese as miners, Chinese Camp was headquarters for
stagelines in early 1850s and for several Chinese mining
companies. Much surface gold was found on hills and flats. The
first Chinese tong war in the state was fought here between the
Sam Yap and Yan Woo Tongs. Stone and brick post office, built
in 1854, is still in use. The St. Francis Xavier Catholic
Church, built in 1855, was restored in 1949; its first pastor
was Father Henry Aleric.
During a visit in the fall of 2002, it was noted that the post
office described by the guide book is no longer in use and a new
post office had been constructed on the north side of town.
A closer view of the official state marker
plaque.
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