Calaveritas, California

Calaveritas ("little skulls" in Spanish; formerly, Upper Calaveritas[3]) is an unincorporated community in Calaveras County, California. It sits on the banks of the Calaveritas Creek at an elevation of 1,109 feet (338 m) above sea level and is located at 38°09′29″N 120°36′36″W. The community is in ZIP code 95249 and area code 209.

Calaveritas
Unincorporated community
Calaveritas Location in California Show map of California Calaveritas Calaveritas (the United States) Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 38°09′29″N 120°36′36″W
Country	United States
State	California
County	Calaveras County
Elevation [1]	1,109 ft (338 m)
California Historical Landmark
Reference no.	255[2]

Founded by Mexicans in 1849, the mining camp was relatively successful and by 1853, Calaveritas was well established, with one livery stable, two butcher shops, several general stores, restaurants, saloons, gambling halls, and fandango houses. Notorious bandit Joaquin Murrieta was supposedly a frequent visitor to the latter two.

The town reached its peak in 1857, with an estimated population of around 800, the majority being Mexican or Chinese, but on August 3, 1858, a fire destroyed some of the buildings. By this time, the gold production had declined and some of its inhabitants moved to other locales.

The town today is registered as California Historical Landmark #255.[2]

Early on, the town was called Upper Calaveritas to distinguish it from another settlement Lower Calaveritas about 3.5 miles to the west. Lower Calaveritas has since become abandoned.[3]

Politics

In the state legislature Calaveritas is in the 8th Senate District, represented by Republican Andreas Borgeas,[4] and the 5th Assembly District, represented by Republican Frank Bigelow.[5] Federally, Calaveritas is in California's 4th congressional district, represented by Republican Tom McClintock.[6]

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Calaveritas, California
2. "Calaveritas". Office of Historic Preservation, California State Parks. Retrieved 2012-10-06.
3. Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, Calif.: Word Dancer Press. p. 753. ISBN 1-884995-14-4.
4. "Senators". State of California. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
5. "Members Assembly". State of California. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
6. "California's 4th Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC. Retrieved February 28, 2013.

External links

• U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Calaveritas, California