During its heyday, Mokelumne Hill was one of the liveliest towns of the Gold Rush. So lively that it was deadly. For 17 straight weeks, someone was shot and killed. After five were killed in one week, the Vigilante Committee apparently decided that was enough and quieted matters down. Today, the little village is considered peaceful. Quiet even.
Highway 49 bypassed the community center leaving downtown a picturesque treasure with several historic structures and storefronts.
The Congregational Church...is the oldest wood- frame church continuously in use in California. Many would say it is among the loveliest, also.
Locals and visitors still enjoy bellying up to the bar. Both a brewery and a winery cater to customers enjoying the historic buildings serenely sitting on a scenic ridge above the Mokelumne River.
Highway 49 bypassed the community center leaving downtown a picturesque treasure with several historic structures and storefronts. The Leger Hotel is as noted for its cuisine and accommodations as much as it is for its ghosts. The I.O.O.F Hall was the first three-story stone building built in Gold Rush country and now it is home to a lively bar and museum. The Congregational Church is not only the oldest of that denomination’s structures, it is the oldest wood-frame church continuously in use in California. Many would say it is among the loveliest, also.
Mokelumne River provides challenging whitewater runs farther upriver as well as a family level float that takes out at Highway 49 at the bottom of Mokelumne Hill. River fishing can be good, and Pardee, Commanche, and New Hogan Reservoirs offer both boating and fishing. Road cycling on Highway 26 to West Point and Highway 49 to San Andreas, as well as several nearby county roads, are all attractive rides
| Population: | 774 | Links: | Chamber of Commerce: www.gocalaveras.com Visitor Center: www.co.calaveras.ca.us |
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From Sacramento, travel 33 miles southeast on CA16 until it intersects with Highway 49 near Plymouth. Head south on Highway 49 for 17 miles or 7 miles farther south than Jackson.
From Stockton follow Highway 26 northeast for 39 miles to Highway 49 on the north edge of San Andreas. Turn left (north) onto Highway 49. From there it is 7 miles farther to Mokelumne Hill.