Shaw's Flat: Forgotten Mining Camp of the 1850s & Its Dead

Jeff takes this episode of History Hunters to the long gone 49er's mining camp of Shaw's Flat near Sonora in Tuolumne County, California. A vast number of miners lived here in the 1850s during the Gold Rush period. Nearby is the historic graveyard with markers back to that exciting time in California history. Some of the folks buried there were victims of mining accidents.
#historyhunters #mining #tuolumnecounty #goldrush
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[@netpoke58]

Great video. I grew up in Shaws Flat spending lots of time with my grandparents there. The Barn that was used by the Mississippi House was on their property. As kids we used to play in the Mississippi House. It was purchased around 20 to 25 years ago with the intent to restore it. It was just too far gone. The concrete trough thats all busted up always had Gold Fish in it. Fond memories.

[@ronniedudley2697]

Thanks for your story ❤

[@CFarnwide]

Thank you for sharing your memories of this place, I really appreciate it!

[@ralphpatrick3071]

Must’ve been a wagon train from Maine. Thanks, Jeff!

[@kimkelly-kline3768]

And a BIG wagon train at that...with a short stop in Maryland!

[@ronniedudley2697]

It's criminal that any of the buildings of that era would be torn down. Very sad as I'm a history buff myself, Jeff. ❤your channel.

[@RodCornholio]

Indeed. The economics of preservation is brutal. History buffs aren't known for being a demographic of wealthy philanthropists (or vice versa) either.

[@MegaBait1616]

We are talking about California here.....

[@Forested-pz9cp]

Love how you actually get out and walk the area of the stories you’re telling. Great work !

[@jbenziggy]

I have seen some KZbinrs who just drive by and don’t get out and I just shake my head. Thank you so much for your comment.

[@christinedelman887]

Such a beautiful place! I agree, today's kids really need to learn more of our country's history! Thanks for another great episode Jeff!

[@truckerray9634]

Good morning Jeff, It's sure obvious that California was on the places to go list for folks from Main in the early years. At 73 I'm learning more about the history of our great state than I knew possible, thank you Jeff for all your efforts.

[@jimbullard441]

These cemetery visits are always interesting to me. I'd glad you give respect to those that the world may not even know.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you Jim!!!

[@161papa]

It is sad that the old historic buildings are gone. At least we have you to keep the history alive. Thanks, Jeff, for the history lesson.

[@janetceniza8091]

husband speaking age 80, another wonderful little story. So much history, so many wonderful little spots to stop and wonder at about the folks who risked it all to come West. Life does go by fast.

[@joelhurley2678]

Jeff, great video as usual and the cemetery what a beautiful place. Henry Ford once said if you don't know your past you will never know your future. Thank you so much for sharing and really enjoyed this history lesson.

[@tresilewis5925]

What a lovely video. The cemetery is one of the most beautiful that I have ever seen. Your personal comments were interesting and poignant. Thanks for taking us with you.

[@rhondaz356]

This was very interesting. What a shame that old building, that was across the street, is gone... I noticed the very casual way the cemetery is laid out. It's almost like people just picked a spot... Yes, so many of them were in their 20s and 30s. That is sad. Thank you for sharing this historic place with us, Jeff. 🪦🖼🪦

[@jbenziggy]

I have no doubt that many of the people who are buried there are now without a marker, and it would take a vast archaeological effort to figure out where they’re buried. I am convinced that with time so many of these gravemarkers have been stolen or fallen over and buried by, the debris from the trees but it’s still a beautiful place and I enjoy the visit there.

[@jennysjourney02]

Completely agree with teaching young people about history. I just got back from a two week trip on the east coast. For a week we went to all historical places, it was amazing. My 9 year old son loved it too, my husband not as much but he comes along lol. Great job as always. I look forward to your videos every Sunday.

[@jbenziggy]

I always say that if history is taught the right way then it's not boring. But maybe that's just the adult in me. I think we don't make history relevant in the classroom. Glad your son is into it. As a kid I loved road trips where we visited old towns and battle fields and state capitols and presidential libraries!

[@CruisingIsTherapy]

Another great episode brother! Thanks for not forgetting God.

[@jbenziggy]

We cannot forget God, because he did not forget us, but sadly many people do.

[@dawnberthold3894]

Great video Jeff. Such a shame the old building wasn't preserved. I love how you present history, so interesting. Thank you.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much for your nice compliment, Dawn. We appreciate your time this morning watching our video. We send our blessings.

[@staceynlove]

Awesome work!! Love seeing all the historical things right in our backyards!

[@greyghostjay]

It's really amazing how those markers are still standing, but great to see. This was a great video as always.

[@dstu322]

I would not be surprised if there are just as many unmarked graves in that cemetery as marked ones. They probably were just originally marked with a simple wooden cross

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Such a beautiful and peaceful cemetery. I wish they would have saved and preserved the Mississippi House. I agree with you, Jeff. Looking at those headstones really makes you think of your own life here on earth. Our time here is so short, gotta make the most of it. Thanks for keeping history alive.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so very much. Yes, our lives are very short and it’s important to live every day to the fullest.

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Enjoyed again Jeff ,keeping the history alive

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome to hear. Thank you so much, John!

[@joepiker]

Another beautiful and positive video. Thanks...I loved the music, too!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much for the wonderful comment. I try to give it a positive feel even though we spent a lot of time talking about dead people. They are at peace somewhere in heaven, hopefully.

[@WayneKline]

Another great video Jeff, well done! Thank you sir.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much my friend Wayne down under. We appreciate comments and hope that you have a beautiful day. I guess it is already because it’s morning here in California.

[@WayneKline]

@@jbenziggy Good morning Jeff. Arrived back in Singapore Saturday night. Now 07:02 Monday and back to the office after 3 week’s Leave. Reality bites 😅😅

[@random22026]

0:34 MANDEVILLE SHAW? Ooooo NOOooooo 2:42 (far left) Before, 2:47 and 3:38 and After: a horse drinking trough would have been my guess, also! 🐎🐎🐎🐎💦💦💦💦 11:31 Such beauty and grace--thank you for paying attention to the details that many overlook! Another amazing, thought-provoking, history-packed episode. Panning for KZbin gold is easy: just subscribe to History Hunters. 📚💝

[@TropicalGardenGuy]

Been by that location many times… Thanks again for another great video!.. Jeff

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Jeff!

[@privatepilot4064]

Thank you Jeff! Awesome video!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, my friend!

[@michaelgalea5148]

Thank you Jeff for another great video. I love history. I thank you and Sarah for bringing us your passion for history.

[@deanmurphy1240]

When I was a kid in the 1970s, the Mississippi house was still a store, open for business; there was I recall an old glass top fuel pump outside! I went to the Shaws Flat school first and second grade(then to Columbia elementary). East of the cemetery there was a pasture with a small building/ shed : that is where we filmed the episode of little house on the Prarie that I and some other Columbia students were extras on. Episode number(?) ; well. It was a dream sequence wherein ' charles' and 'caroline' 'met' as kids! That was 1978; Sorell Booke played the teacher( he was boss hogg in dukes of Hazzard later) I always thought that under the cemetery hill would be a bunch of gold! Same in Columbia under the catholic church on the hill!

[@rosaszymanski4601]

I look forward to every Sunday morning watching your videos drinking my coffee☕️Thank you!

[@mikes3174]

Been there - just passing through on my way to other places but it brought back some fond memories. 😀 Thank you so much for your time and effort!

[@cnph7067]

Grew up in the East Bay with a Dad that loved to check out historical places. We spent countless summers driving all over Northern CA to see and learn the states history. Watching all of your CA segments brings back many great memories. Very much enjoy your channel!

[@MagravatorMag]

Jeff, back in the 90s, one Sunday, my friend and I had spent the weekend at Tahoe and we were on our way home. When we got to Truckee from Incline Village we decided to take the day and drive part of Gold Country, going towards Graeagle. I don't know what highway # was but we stopped at every cemetery we could find. They each seemed to be designed and organized in the same way. Pauper graves were always near the gate and the Mayors or Sheriffs would be in the back with the more wealthy folks (we determined that by the size and quality of the headstone) were buried in the back but the Mayor and such. The pauper graves rarely had names but some did say things like "town drunk" or "died in a gunfight" and we even saw one that only said "hung". Most of them just had the date of their death carved on a wooden cross. There were a couple of them that were a little creepy but we really enjoyed the day. Kind of odd but we did. We were fascinated and couldn't wait to find more although there were a lot of children, some infants who were buried there so that was a little gutwrenching but overall, it was very interesting. I'll bet we stopped at 8 cemetaries on the way back to Reno. Anyway, thanks for this video! I love that you do shows near where I lived for over 20 years. Nevada is amazing and those are my favs but Gold Country is a close second because, as we drive by places, I ofter wonder about the things I see. You put it together and it's much appreciated! Thanks again Jeff!

[@melissajensen3166]

Great video Jeff. Like I’ve said, it’s a shame historical buildings get torn down. We definitely need to teach history to our young people. Unfortunately, things are starting to repeat history because no one knows history.

[@55azguy]

Always appreciate your videos,thank you.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so very much, Art.

[@redmccoy8633]

I agree that history should be taught to these kids nowadays. Parents should take a stand at the school board meetings. But that's another topic. I got to thinking about if the people at the cemetery were alive today they would head back to Maine!! Considering the way California is going down. I was born and raised in Central California and it's sad that citizens are letting the country go down. I got off topic- great video. Back in the day they had a hard short life. Thanx for your time.

[@r2angels739]

Thank you Jeff for the great comment at the end of the video. California has such a great history. It is truly sad that there are those who are trying to discourage the teaching of California’s history and or erase it all together. I find it fascinating that there were those that had the courage to do what they did so one day a person like yourself are willing to give us all a small glimpse into their lives.

[@ronniedudley2697]

Absolutely 💯

[@KAREN-OAKES]

Thumbs up ..INDEED !!! I love Gold Rush History !!! THANK YOU JEFF AND SARAH

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you for the thumbs up! We certainly hope to do more gold rush history, and in fact, the next week should have another one. Thank you, Karen!

[@pigoff123]

Such a shame people feel the need to tear down history especially to be replaced by junk cars.

[@stevemellin5806]

Very peaceful place .Hard working people resting.Have a great week

[@Christianministrycentral]

Great content! Keep at it!

[@irishgip71]

Great one sir! Fairly new to channel but now addicted. Thanks for being my “crack”. 😂. Slainte

[@jbenziggy]

Oh my goodness! Now we are history crack peddlers! Ha ha ha! I guess that’s a good thing! Thank you so much for being addicted to History Hunters!

[@irishgip71]

@@jbenziggy 😂

[@jbthor9032]

Thanks Jeff. History is so interesting.

[@timberk5]

Hi Jeff wish there was a way to know when you were going to be in the Sonora area again I would like to buy you a beer

[@pattyboymccull9647]

Love the towns history. Thank you!

[@maryannweldin4633]

Our young need to kn ow their history it’s sad most don’t.

[@AB-ye7bw]

Absolutely love everything about this video! Even the Old timey music 😊🙏

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much. I try to match the music with the feel of the video, and I felt that that music was especially poignant

[@2TwistedLemons]

Really enjoy your content. Much love from Aberdeen Scotland.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much for your truly wonderful comment. We feel the love from Scotland and we’re returning it from California and the great old United States!❤️

[@dianejohnson7235]

Such another great video!! I live how you take us back to remember the ones before us and what they went through!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much, Diane. I only wish that I had a photograph for every person that I show the final resting place of. That’s just not possible though, but I hope I made the video interesting.

[@richnunn9633]

Another good episode sir !!

[@robertbiastre6037]

Loved the intro/outro music. Thank you for all you do.

[@jbenziggy]

I really like that tune as well. I’m glad I picked it because you are not the only one who said that you liked it. Thank you so much for the comment.

[@MCW1955]

Another very interesting video. Excellent video and audio quality. Thanks Jeff.

[@RedProg]

Small world.. My Great Great Grandmother was born at Jackass Hill.. I appreciate you Folks.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Loved this episode. I said wow lots of people from Maine right before you said, a lot of people from Maine!!!

[@jbenziggy]

Hey guys, thank you so much for the comment. As I was reading the gravemarkers, I kept noticing the state of Maine, which is rather unusual out here in California. There must’ve been a contingency of gold prospectors lured to California by the Gold Rush. It is very common to see the graves of miners from Cornwall England, which I understand already had a booming mining industry. Peace and happiness in your travels and much health and happiness for your family.

[@johnygarcia7636]

👍👍👍

[@frankmarullo228]

Another good video Jeff ,instead of preserving history they tear down things and make money for the land. The day will come when the little big horn battlefield will probably end up being a development of houses.. ( hope not ) THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA.......

[@MARKWILLIAMS-tm4rf]

Howdy Jeff, I do agree about your take on history! Also at time mark 15:38......I was born (in Ca.) in 1957 and yes everyday for me. Thank you for another great video presentation. A good Sunday morning here in Az.

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

Quite amazing thanks Jeff for another amazing episode. I really look forward to Sundays and to see what you’re up 👍😀

[@normahird9059]

Hi ..... it is Sunday morning and time for another well researched vlog. Now that I have watched this educational vlog once, I will make some special coffee and watch again. Thank you for this vlog!!!!!!!

[@jackyandell2489]

Thank you Jeff for yet ANOTHER great vlog. Yes life is very fleeting. Since I lost my wife in Dec. I have learned to appreciate each morning that I open my eyes. God Bless take care...

[@marshaezell1546]

How about the mining town of Jupiter on Italian Bar Road between Columbia and Twain Harte. Nothing left but a couple of foundations. There was a colorful character who wrote a book about it. Can't recall the name, but could find out if you're interested. Post Office 1901 - 1922. We lived there (off grid) for 15 years - "colorful" area. When the husband of a friend (ex-sheriff deputy) heard we bought there he was horrified! We loved it there except for the road in winter....

[@stargater2892]

Hello Jeff -- look forward to seeing you, miss Sarah, hope she is well. You pointed out the young death ages of those in the past, I've thought about that too. Also repeating history bothers me, 1800s children 13-14 were marrying, and here in 2023 there is no marriage but abuse. Touchy subject with absolutely no pun intended.

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

Love the old cemeteries! We just walked one in Russellville, Kentucky yesterday and found one where the gentleman had been born in 1776! Thanks so much for the great content Jeff (and walk down memory lane). Your biggest Tennessee (formerly California) fans!!! (Giles County TN is a great place! We’ve gone down there several times! Now I need to go read about Thomas Gilman!

[@mrshiney2]

Drove down that road a 100 times, was not aware of the cemetery

[@jbenziggy]

I have lived in this area of California, most of my life and I did not know that cemetery was there either. It’s fascinating to find new things in an area where you thought you knew everything.

[@haroldnelson3734]

I've driven through Shaw's Flat dozens of times. I had no idea a cemetery was back in there. Thanks for taking us there with you. Great accompaniment music, too. Perfect!

[@shirleyfreitas4692]

Hello Jeff and others interested in this bit of history. I grew up in Shaws Flat and my father's family settled there in the 1850s. At the start of your video the white fence on the right is at the end of my father's house -- he built the fence. My grandparents' house is the one at the intersection, just past the fence on the right; gray now, but yellow for decades. My great-great grandparents came over from the Azores and settled in Shaws Flat on their two-acre (approximately) farm. My great grandfather, Antone Freitas, and other farmers in Shaws Flat, most of whom were Italian immigrants, used to take turns hauling their produce over the hill -- that is, over the Sierras at Sonora Pass, nearly 10,000 feet elevation -- to Bodie. The Mississippi House stood all through my childhood (born 1952). So did the one room schoolhouse, which was on the hill across from the cemetery. It was used in filming Little House on the Prairie. People looted it for years and a plan to save it fell through. My father died in 2011. He'd been a trustee of the cemetery and he kept it neat, trimmed shrubs and removed fallen branches, etc. Since his death it looks as if no one is taking care of it. y father and two friends were the ones who brought back and preserved the old miner's bell, which had been removed to a school district office after the "new" school building was sold. I wrote an article about the bell in the Tuolumne County historical periodical, Golden Roots. (more in next post) Shirley

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

History of this such just fascinates me Jeff. I'm sure in all the communications I've had with you I've not said the simple words of thank you. Thanks for the incredible effort you put forth, the history is just amazing. Well..... Like I always tell you thanks for taking us on the adventure.

[@terrydevries914]

Great video. Always enjoy local history, esp. Gold Rush era. Very nice little cemetary, very peaceful.

[@speedspeed121]

Jeff, please, if you ever come across a gravestone that explicitly has a born date of the 1700s, please film it. Usually they say, "aged 80 years....," but I have yet to see one with 1700s written as the born date. I have seen the early 1800s, however. I have always wanted to see that date on a gravestone in the West. EDIT: Bam 13:46 you got it!

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff, Happy🌞 Day! Thanks for sharing this story on Shaw's Flat and it's History. Hope you have a wonderful day.

[@AT1881Cowboy]

Awesome job, Jeff!!! Love all your videos. You put so much time, travel, cost, effort and research into each history video.

[@julianaclayton7893]

I’m learning more and more about American history by listening and watching your videos when I get a chance to… thanks ❣️🇳🇿

[@jerryfountain7921]

I see you were in my neck of the woods Jeff and Sarah! I didn't know about this cemetery in the area so I will have to check it out and see if I can find the 1 gentleman that you could not find. Also wondering if you checked out Embers Restaurant downtown Sonora and their enormous pizza oven covered with a mosaic of beautiful tile. I know you 2 have a hankering for an amazing pizza. Thanks for the dead men's tour, and Shaws Flat info too, awesome research! Update: I just visited the same cemetery and couldn't locate Thomas's plaque either. I wonder if someone stole it? And boy, poison oak is everywhere out there!

[@DALEf4u]

Just got around to watching this video and always very interesting. I spent this past weekend with my brother and his wife in the gold rush town Columbia. They took part in the Columbia Diggins Tent Town 1852. A lot of people attended the event. We stayed in the City Hotel that was built in 1856. It was a fun weekend.

[@nadiemequire]

Growing up in Tuolumne County, I wasn't aware there was a cemetery in Shaws Flat. Next time I'm up that way, I'll try to check it out. Thanks for another excellent video.

[@johnvoorhees7881]

Hey Jeff, I'm living in Waterville, Maine. Interesting that you found graves of people from around here. Again, let me know if you ever want to visit. Cheers 🍻

[@aulii11]

Another fascinating episode, thanks! My great great grandfather emigrated from Germany some time between 1850-1855 and had a mining claim at Big Oak Flat. He managed to extract a little gold from the vein on his claim before it took a turn onto another claim, at which time he moved to San Francisco and worked driving a 20 horse freight wagon from San Francisco to the Sierra mines.

[@swansfan6944]

Loved todays history lesson. Thanks Jeff ❤️Jodie 🇦🇺

[@DKCGamerGirl]

That is indeed a beautiful and peaceful cemetary. The trees and nature there look so calming.

[@CarlosHerrera-oh9ec]

Thanks for sharing.... always enjoy your cemetery tours.. thank u

[@thomasparoubeck5656]

Really enjoy History Hunters what about a presidio San Francisco episode.

[@kwd3109]

Your narration in the graveyard, I found it to be very thoughtful and compelling. Enjoyed the video very much.

[@Jbennyho]

Though better conditions here in California, I strongly suspect that a black man would still not be allowed to be buried in a white cemetery, regardless of how successful he had become. A shameful reflection on white history. We can only hope that we learn from our mistakes. Great video. Thank you. Also noticed the high percentage of Maine residents. What’s your best guess of why?

[@Catrianna07]

I live in Sonora and love your videos. Please go to the Morgan Chapel Cemetery. It’s small but old, and across the street is a very old church building. Wards Ferry rd is a beautiful drive. My husbands grandpa is buried there.

[@terryeustice5399]

Jeff your so right the life span was really short. And Shawshank Cemetery was great. Thank you for taking us along 💯👊👍

[@Sparose3]

Always enjoy your Chanel Jeff. Tell Sarah we miss her tagging along! 💕👍🏻

[@paulyparker8217]

Howdy Jeff! Interesting as always. I love learning something new. Cheers

[@MrJonathandcrow]

Jeff If You look At the Tombstones bases They was repaired see the cracks ,Many Year's Ago,

[@Noah-ld8mn]

Another great video. I would like to know more about Cooperstown in Stanislaus County, northwest of La Grange. Not much is left other than the remains of some sort of railroad loading structure. Was gold part of the history of Cooperstown?

[@lorimast]

Amen brother! We all need to learn AND RETAIN some of our history. We are such a mess right now as people have forgotten how important it truly is.

[@reginamay2767]

Hi Jeff such a cool video I loved it and those grave markers you're right has been there so long and so much has happened since they have come and gone if they came back they would say what in the world has happened to our world things have certainly changed since those people passed away. Such a beautiful place though there everything looks so pretty very interesting I love old history and you do a wonderful job thank you Jeff for taking us through this wonderful history back in time you do such great work thank you for taking the time see you next time. 💯❤️👍🙋

[@peanut_trucker]

Awesome 👍 love these episodes, my sister lives in Sonora now I'll have to go check it out when I go visit her in July. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@gregboyden564]

thanks for this interesting story. I have passed through Sonora many times, but have never hear about Shaw's Flat. Must come up and visit this cemetery

[@whitedovetail]

Great video. I totally agree with your comment at the end of this video. Yes, we need to teach our children about our history because, as you said, when people do not learn about it they do indeed make the same mistakes that they could have learned about. That really is a very old cemetery there in Shaw's Flat. I wonder why the current residents of Shaw's Flat don't spend some time every year cleaning up the vegetation around the headstones and even do some major cleaning on some of those cruddy looking ones. Thanks Jeff and see ya next week! Howdy from Texas!!

[@jamesmorrison1884]

Hi yes not much time. I think of my cousin who passed away at 24. I think of my sons who passed away a birth. Not much time i wish i could do better. Have a great day,good video sir.

[@CFarnwide]

Unfortunately many historic buildings in my state have been, and are being, torn down. A lot of folks have been injured and some have tragically lost their lives exploring. Especially in the old mining areas. It’s just so costly to keep them maintained it doesn’t make sense to keep them standing. Fortunately, most are being well documented and photographed before demolition and made publicly available online and in libraries. In my little city all of the businesses located in the original township display photos of each building that used to stand in that particular spot and what their purpose was. It’s really neat to see as there are only a few original buildings left. Everything else has been demolished over the decades and modernized. Even the big box stores and franchise chains do it which personally I find fascinating as most of those types of stores have strict guidelines on how stores should be laid out and advertised.

[@isabelaguilar2903]

Great Video Jeff Good phrase❤ [So he lived.. so he died] Great taste in music Jeff I like it!😊

[@Lolisvlogs]

If you’re ever in Texas please visit Mission, Texas. It would be a very interesting place to visit. I’ve been to the cemetery there, well one of them. The one that has people who have died before 2000.

[@richardrichard9953]

Since the Caldor fire you can see the original wagon road along Hwy 50 between Placerville and Lake Tahoe

[@phyllisprice7887]

What a nice way to spend an afternoon remembering people and history. Too bad. The Mississippi House is gone, it would have been great restored.😅

[@stuartstuart866]

I don’t recall ever seeing headstones as thin as some of these, yet they are unbroken. That is a beautiful cemetery. It’s too bad we don’t know how these people died, maybe a morbid thought, but just curious about it.

[@lisaburns2117]

I love how you honor places that almost have been erased. I especially love walking through the cemeteries and learning such fascinating things about the lives of those buried there. Great job again.