Miners in Calaveras County, California, discover what is now called the Calaveras Skull - human remains that supposedly indicated that man, mastodons, and elephants had co-existed.

Nestled in the northern reaches of California, Calaveras County is a place rich in history, natural beauty, and intriguing tales. Officially known as the County of Calaveras, this region, as of the 2010 census, was home to 45,292 residents. Its county seat is the town of San Andreas, while Angels Camp stands as its sole incorporated city. The very name "Calaveras" is Spanish for "skulls," a poignant origin story reportedly tied to the discovery of Native American remains by the Spanish explorer Captain Gabriel Moraga.

Geographically, Calaveras County holds a unique position, straddling both the historic Gold Country and the majestic High Sierra regions, offering a diverse landscape that captivated early explorers and continues to enchant visitors today.

A Land of Giants and Gold

One of Calaveras County's most iconic natural treasures is the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Located several miles east of Arnold on State Highway 4, this preserve is a sanctuary for magnificent giant sequoia trees, standing as ancient sentinels of the forest. The credit for their discovery here in 1852 goes to Augustus T. Dowd, a trapper whose pursuit of a bear led him to this awe-inspiring grove. The global sensation truly began when bark from the colossal "Discovery Tree" was removed and embarked on a worldwide tour, transforming these trees into one of the county's earliest and most celebrated tourist attractions.

Beyond its botanical wonders, Calaveras County also boasts geological significance. In 1861, the rare gold telluride mineral, calaverite, was unearthed within its borders, earning its name directly from the county where it was found.

Mark Twain's Legacy and the Jumping Frogs

Calaveras County's cultural identity is indelibly linked to literary history, most notably through Mark Twain. It was here that Twain famously set his delightful short story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." To honor this enduring association, the county proudly hosts an annual fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee, a spirited event featuring a lively frog-jumping contest. Each year, the winner's achievement is commemorated with a distinctive brass plaque, mounted on the sidewalk of downtown Historic Angels Camp, forming a unique feature known as the Frog Hop of Fame.

A Sobering Statistic

While celebrated for its beauty and lore, Calaveras County also faced a sobering statistic in 2015, reporting the highest rate of suicide deaths in the United States, with 49.1 per 100,000 people.

The Infamous Calaveras Skull Hoax

Among the county's most talked-about historical curiosities is the Calaveras Skull, also known as The Pliocene Skull. This human skull, purportedly discovered by miners in Calaveras County, became the subject of intense scientific and public debate. It was initially presented as definitive proof that humans had inhabited North America as early as the Pliocene epoch, supporting the then-controversial idea that humans, mastodons, and mammoths had coexisted. However, the skull was later exposed as an elaborate hoax. Ironically, despite the specific skull being a fabrication, it is now widely understood through other evidence that humans, mastodons, and mammoths did indeed coexist, though much more recently during the Pleistocene epoch. Coincidentally, the Spanish word "calaveras," meaning "skulls," lent an eerie aptness to the name of this famous, albeit deceptive, artifact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Calaveras County

Where is Calaveras County located?
Calaveras County is situated in the northern part of the U.S. state of California.
What is the population of Calaveras County?
As of the 2010 census, the population was 45,292.
What is the origin of the name "Calaveras"?
"Calaveras" is Spanish for "skulls," reportedly named after the remains of Native Americans discovered by Spanish explorer Captain Gabriel Moraga.
Which regions does Calaveras County belong to?
It is located in both the Gold Country and High Sierra regions of California.
What famous state park is in Calaveras County?
Calaveras Big Trees State Park, known for its giant sequoia trees.
Who discovered the giant sequoias there?
Augustus T. Dowd, a trapper, is credited with their discovery in 1852.
What mineral was named after the county?
The uncommon gold telluride mineral calaverite was discovered there in 1861 and named for the county.
How is Calaveras County connected to Mark Twain?
Mark Twain set his famous story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," in the county. This is celebrated annually with the Jumping Frog Jubilee.
What was the Calaveras Skull?
It was a human skull purported to be from the Pliocene epoch, suggesting early human presence in North America and coexistence with megafauna. It was later revealed to be a hoax, though coexistence (in the Pleistocene) is now known to be true.