San Andreas: A Californian Gold Rush Legacy
Exploring its history, geography, and community fabric.
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Historical Significance
Genesis in the Gold Rush
San Andreas emerged in 1848, established by Mexican gold miners and named in honor of Saint Andrew. Initially a transient tent city, it quickly became a significant mining camp. The discovery of gold in an underground river channel in 1853 revitalized the settlement, transforming it into a burgeoning town that played a crucial role in financing the Union cause during the American Civil War.
Resilience and Rebuilding
The town's early years were marked by rapid growth and subsequent challenges, including devastating fires in 1858 and 1863. Despite these setbacks, San Andreas demonstrated remarkable resilience, rebuilding and continuing its development. The establishment of its post office in 1854 and its designation as the county seat in 1866 solidified its administrative importance.
Notorious Connections
San Andreas's history is intertwined with legendary figures of the era. It is noted as a rendezvous point for the infamous bandit Joaquin Murrieta. Furthermore, the notorious highwayman Charles "Black Bart" Bolles was tried in San Andreas before being sent to prison, adding a layer of frontier justice and notoriety to the town's past.
Geographical Context
Area and Elevation
San Andreas, a census-designated place (CDP) within Calaveras County, California, encompasses a total area of 8.4 square miles (21.771 km²). Of this, 99.81% is land, with a minimal 0.19% dedicated to water. The community is situated at an elevation of 879 feet (268 meters) above sea level, positioning it within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Location and Coordinates
Strategically located along State Route 49, San Andreas serves as the county seat for Calaveras County. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 38°11′46″N 120°40′50″W. This placement within California's historic Gold Country offers a unique perspective on the state's development and landscape.
Climate Profile
Mediterranean Influence
San Andreas experiences a Mediterranean climate, characteristic of the Sierra Nevada foothills. This climate pattern is defined by cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The region benefits from significant rainfall, particularly due to the orographic effect, which enhances precipitation as weather systems ascend the mountain slopes.
Temperature and Precipitation Data
The following table provides detailed climate data for San Andreas, compiled by the PRISM Climate Group, illustrating average daily temperatures and precipitation levels throughout the year.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 55.5 (13.1) |
60.3 (15.7) |
64.7 (18.2) |
69.6 (20.9) |
79.1 (26.2) |
88.0 (31.1) |
94.9 (34.9) |
94.0 (34.4) |
88.7 (31.5) |
77.6 (25.3) |
64.0 (17.8) |
55.1 (12.8) |
74.3 (23.5) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 45.3 (7.4) |
49.1 (9.5) |
52.8 (11.6) |
56.2 (13.4) |
63.5 (17.5) |
71.1 (21.7) |
76.9 (24.9) |
76.5 (24.7) |
71.4 (21.9) |
62.1 (16.7) |
51.7 (10.9) |
45.7 (7.6) |
60.2 (15.7) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 35.0 (1.7) |
37.8 (3.2) |
40.9 (4.9) |
42.8 (6.0) |
47.9 (8.8) |
54.2 (12.3) |
59.0 (15.0) |
58.9 (14.9) |
54.1 (12.3) |
46.6 (8.1) |
39.2 (4.0) |
36.4 (2.4) |
46.1 (7.8) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 5.40 (137) |
5.15 (131) |
4.15 (105) |
2.40 (61) |
0.71 (18) |
0.27 (6.9) |
0.04 (1.0) |
0.07 (1.8) |
0.25 (6.4) |
1.50 (38) |
3.22 (82) |
5.45 (138) |
28.61 (726.1) |
| Source: PRISM Climate Group | |||||||||||||
Community Demographics
Population Trends
As of the 2020 census, San Andreas had a population of 2,994 residents, reflecting a 7.6% increase from the 2,783 recorded in 2010. The population density stands at approximately 356.9 inhabitants per square mile (137.8/km²), indicating a moderately populated community within its geographical area.
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The demographic profile of San Andreas shows a predominantly White population, with significant representation from other racial and ethnic groups. The 2020 census data highlights the diverse composition of the community.
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 2,310 | 2,330 | 2,270 | 88.34% | 83.72% | 75.82% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 2 | 17 | 26 | 0.08% | 0.61% | 0.87% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 35 | 36 | 39 | 1.34% | 1.29% | 1.30% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 19 | 27 | 53 | 0.73% | 0.97% | 1.77% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0.00% | 0.04% | 0.20% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 7 | 0 | 26 | 0.27% | 0.00% | 0.87% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 76 | 117 | 210 | 2.91% | 4.20% | 7.01% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 166 | 255 | 364 | 6.35% | 9.16% | 12.16% |
| Total | 2,615 | 2,783 | 2,994 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Household Characteristics
In 2020, San Andreas comprised 1,172 households, with an average size of 2.36 persons. Approximately 37.3% were married-couple households, and 34.9% featured a female householder without a partner present. The median age of residents was 46.2 years, indicating a mature demographic profile.
Political Representation
State and Federal Representation
San Andreas is represented within the California State Legislature by Senator Angelique Ashby (Democrat) in the 8th Senatorial District and Assemblymember Joe Patterson (Republican) in the 5th Assembly District. Federally, the community falls within California's 5th Congressional District, represented by Congressman Tom McClintock (Republican).
Historical Landmarks
California Historical Landmark #252
San Andreas itself is recognized as California Historical Landmark #252, acknowledging its significant role in the state's development, particularly during the Gold Rush era. This designation underscores the town's enduring historical importance.
Old Calaveras County Courthouse
The Old Calaveras County Courthouse, constructed in 1867, served as the county's administrative center for a century. Its architectural significance and historical role are recognized by its listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). It now houses the Calaveras County Museum, preserving local heritage.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical, geographical, or governmental consultation. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.