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| Landmark #619 | San Bernardino County | Visited: June 16, 2013 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | A plaque at the Bear Valley Historical Society Museum! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: 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.
OTHER TIDBITS: The grand irony of having a name like Bear Valley and Bear Lake is that Billy Holcomb, known as a skilled sharpshooter, killed all of the grizzly bears that lived here! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: Plaque at Big Bear Valley Historical Society Museum In Big Bear City Park On Green Way Dr Big Bear, CA 92314 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~103mi (166km) — 1.8hrs |
| When should I go? | The museum is open Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, and Monday holidays from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM, Memorial Day weekend through the second weekend of October! |