Front:
SHELL
emite
Coulterville, California
Color by Merle Porter
Back:
C-589
COULTERVILLE, CALIFORNIA
Although Coulterville is one of the oldest of the Mother
Lode camps it still retains much of its gold-rush charm.
George Coulter operated a trading post on the Merced
River. In early 1850 he heard of a rich gold strike on Max-
well Creek. He moved his trading stock to the new location
and opened for business. The Mexican miners called the
place Banderita (little flag) for Coulter's Stars and Stripes
that flew from his store. In 1853 the camp's name was
changed to Coulter's Ville in honor of its first merchant.
At the head of the main street is a spreading oak tree that
became known as the HANG TREE. One of the most dramatic
moments occurred at daybreak of March 16, 1856, when
Leon Ruiz was strung up for the brutal murder of two
Chinese miners in Bear Valley and robbing the sluice' of
$600 in gold. As in most mining camps fire hit Coulterville
in 1899. .. M.P.
© & PUBLISHED BY ROYAL PICTURES, COLTON, CALIFORNIA 92324
