1/30/2000
1/30/2000
1/30/2000
1/30/2000
Landmark information
- Location:
State plaque at Big Bear Valley Historical Society Museum, Big Bear City Park on Greenway Dr; private plaque at site, 4.8 mi past county dump on Holcomb Valley Rd (3N16) - Plaque:
Official State Plaque - Site:
Existing - Date First Visited:
1/30/2000 - Date Most Recently Visited:
1/30/2000 - GPS Coordinates:
N 34 18.074, W 116 53.125
About this landmark
Plaque text:
Holcomb Valley
Southern California's largest gold rush followed the discovery of rich placer deposits by William F. Holcomb and Ben Choteau on May 4, 1860. Miners rushed to the valley and established boom towns. Belleville, the largest, rivaled San Bernardino in population and almost became the county seat. Violence and hangings were common in this remote valley. Over time, major placer and quartz mining declined although some activity continues today.