Mokelumne Hill

Hwy 49 is littered with small towns. This one, Mokelumne Hill was a rich spot indeed.

Mokelumne Hill was one of the richest gold mining towns in California. Founded in 1848 by a group of Oregonians, the placers were so rich that the miners risked starvation rather than head to Stockton to replenish their supplies (one finally did and made it rich by becoming a merchant). Soon after, gold was discovered in the nearby hills, so much so that miners were restricted to claims of 16 square feet (1.5 m²), and yet many of those claims were reported to have paid up to $20,000.

 Unsurprisingly, there is an Independent Order of Odd Fellows building here. Unfortunately, it is not in very good shape anymore.

Next to the IOOF building is the blacksmith shop. It appears to have been in operation much more recently.

In front of the building that now serves as the community library is a porch also filled with books. since it doesn't rain here this time of year, it is safe to put them out here. I thought it as fun that a child had left his toy elephant here. Some sort of comment on the world but I don't know what it is. Maybe you can suss this one out.