Holcomb Valley was originally occupied by the Serrano Indians. Located north of Big Bear Lake and home to the old mining district of Belleville in the Holcomb Valley, site of Southern California's largest gold rush.

Gold

In 1860, gold was first discovered here by William F. Holcomb and Ben Choteau. After Holcomb filed his claim, word spread fast and prospectors rushed to the area. Before long, a gold camp sprang up east of where the gold was first discovered. Belleville sprang up and soon became the largest town in San Bernardino County.

It was Southern California's largest gold rush, but with time, major placer and quartz mining declined although some activity continues today. It is home to the Holcomb Valley Scout Ranch (formerly of Old Baldy Council), on the site of the old Hitchcock Ranch.

See also

• California Gold Rush

External links

• California's Gold #5011 - HOLCOMB VALLEY

References