Community Overview

Tuolumne County is rich in California history and to this day many areas of the County still highlight this heritage.  The County got its name and recognition during the Gold Rush but even before then Native Americans called this land home.  The Central Me-Wuk lived in villages throughout the county mainly in villages below the 2500 foot elevation, to avoid the heavy snows. During the summer they would venture into the high mountains where food could be gathered and wild game was abundant for hunting.  In the late 1840’s the boom of the Gold Rush began with many people coming West as Gold was discovered.  For the Native Americans this changed the existence of their culture which had been in place many years.  Many Native Americans were displaced and new diseases were introduced.  The Gold Rush made major changes to the people who lived in California and impacted the entire Western cultural development.

In the summer of 1848 Gold was discovered in what is now Tuolumne County.  This brought many to the county in search of Gold and began the naming of our different town.  Colonel George James from San Francisco started a mining camp on Wood’s Creek and named the area after himself, Jamestown.  In 1949 Mexican and some Chilean immigrants began working claims in the area. One area in particular was known as Sonoranian Camp, named after the State of Sonora, Mexico where these immigrants had traveled from.  This of course is now known as Sonora, California.  As people continued to settled and worked claims so did the naming of different areas throughout the County.  In 1850 the County was established by the California Legislature and Sonora was made the County seat and by 1851 Sonora was incorporated.  With the area growing so did industry including lumber and rail. 

Today Tuolumne County is made up of 31 incorporated and unincorporated Communities with a County population of 55,365. (Census 2010)  Besides the rich heritage the County offers countless recreational activities both for summer and winter.  Dodge Ridge located in the high Country next to Pinecrest, California offers great winter skiing and snowboarding.  With 12 lifts and 67 runs Dodge Ridge offers something for all levels.  Yosemite, which is visited yearly by 3.7 million people, is partially located within the County and a great place to visit for hiking, exploring or just sitting back and taking in the natural beauty of Mother Nature.  The County also has numerous lakes and hiking trails both in the mountains and lower elevations.  Our largest lakes, Don Pedro and New Melones offer great fishing, swimming, relaxing and water skiing.  Truly for the outdoor adventurer there is something for everyone.  Our small towns feature great community events including street fairs, farmers markets, local theater and wonderful dining.

As you can see Tuolumne County has much to offer, from rich history to small town charm spending a little time here you will see why so many call this home or purchase second homes for their vacation destination.