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West Point

Tucked into the Sierra Nevada foothills, West Point, California offers visitors a fascinating blend of cultural heritage and Gold Rush history. The Mi-Wuk people, who first lived in nearby Sandy Gulch, established a village in West Point in the late 1800s before moving to Bald Mountain Road, where Indian Allotments were granted in 1914. Their traditions live on today, with roundhouse ceremonies and celebrations that honor this enduring heritage.

John R Smith, the bearded man in the middle, is pictured about 1890 at his blacksmith shop on Main Street in West Point.  (Courtesy K. Smith, T.A. Wilson album)
Founded in 1854 as a mining supply camp, West Point quickly grew into a bustling hub. Early emigrants crossed the Mokelumne River from Volcano, and by 1857 stagecoaches connected the town to Mokelumne Hill and mining camps to the east. With water ditches built from Bear Creek and the Mokelumne River, mining thrived while also laying the foundation for the community’s growth.
West Point 1892

As mining gave way to timber and lumber production, West Point remained a working mountain town rich in tradition and resilience. Today, visitors can explore this unique blend of Mi-Wuk legacy, Gold Rush roots, and small-town charm that makes West Point a gateway to Calaveras County’s fascinating past.

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