A placer deposit of gold was found in the Mokelumne River in 1848. Thousands rushed to the area to pan for gold and the town of Mokelumne Hll was born. Before long, there were 12'000 people living here.

It was a rough, tough town, and the overcrowding often led to spectacular fights. It was said that, with one exception, a man was killed regularly for 17 straight weekends. Today, there are several hundred residents. Many of the old buildings are still standing.