Julian Gold Rush Days

History

Julian was founded following the Civil War, when displaced Confederate Veterans from Georgia headed West to seek their fortunes in a new, mostly unsettled land. Among these were cousins Drue Bailey and Mike Julian, who found a lush meadow between Volcan Mountain and the Cuyamacas to their liking. They were there in 1869 when cattleman Fred Coleman found the first flecks of gold in a creek. It was San Diego County's first and only gold rush.

The town was named Julian, in honor of Mike, who later was elected San Diego County Assessor. The town was never big, at the most boasting a population of about 600---more than reside within the historic district today. Rumor has it that Julian almost became San Diego's county seat.

The gold rush was short-lived, nearly over within a decade. But the pioneers stayed and began farming the rich land. While many crops were planted and animals pastured, Julian proved to be a fine place to grow apples. Apples continue to be produced in Julian. Their sweet, fresh flavor lures thousands to the mountains each fall, when visitors will find fruit stands overflowing with crisp fruit, homemade cider and other delicacies.

Most of the early pioneers are buried in the Julian Haven of Rest cemetery, located on the hill just North of town. The cemetery is open to the public.

The Eagle-High Peak Mine and Museum, one of the more prosperous mines during the gold rush, is open daily for tours. The tours give you the experience of what is was like in the early days of gold mining.


Julian's Gold Rush Days is a period of remembrance of the gold rush of 1869 that brought the town of Julian to existence.
When: June 14 - 15, 2008 Where: Julian, California Activities: Julian Doves & Desperados – historic comedy skits at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. – stage area between Cabbages & Kings and the Julian Market & Deli. For information call Krisie at (760) 765-1857 more info... Eagle and High Peak Mine and Museum - Offers daily tours of the mines from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Adults are $10.00 and children are $5.00. Gold panning and museum are included in the price.	History Julian was founded following the Civil War, when displaced Confederate Veterans from Georgia headed West to seek their fortunes in a new, mostly unsettled land. Among these were cousins Drue Bailey and Mike Julian, who found a lush meadow between Volcan Mountain and the Cuyamacas to their liking. They were there in 1869 when cattleman Fred Coleman found the first flecks of gold in a creek. It was San Diego County's first and only gold rush. The town was named Julian, in honor of Mike, who later was elected San Diego County Assessor. The town was never big, at the most boasting a population of about 600---more than reside within the historic district today. Rumor has it that Julian almost became San Diego's county seat. The gold rush was short-lived, nearly over within a decade. But the pioneers stayed and began farming the rich land. While many crops were planted and animals pastured, Julian proved to be a fine place to grow apples. Apples continue to be produced in Julian. Their sweet, fresh flavor lures thousands to the mountains each fall, when visitors will find fruit stands overflowing with crisp fruit, homemade cider and other delicacies. Most of the early pioneers are buried in the Julian Haven of Rest cemetery, located on the hill just North of town. The cemetery is open to the public. The Eagle-High Peak Mine and Museum, one of the more prosperous mines during the gold rush, is open daily for tours. The tours give you the experience of what is was like in the early days of gold mining.
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