Copperopolis History
A historical marker at Copperopolis gives a brief historical overview:
With the discovery of copper ore in 1860 by Thomas McCarty and William K. Reed, the town of Copperopolis sprang into existence and soon became the largest producer of copper in the western United States. The population of Copperopolis grew to exceed 10,000 by 1863. The Union mine was the largest producing mine in the area, working three shafts and hundreds of men on the payroll.
During the nations three recent wars, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, much of the copper ore that was so vital to the implements of war was supplied by this area.
During the Civil War the price of copper reached an all time high of 55 cents a pound, falling to 19 cents when the war drew to a close. Although six mines were operating in 1866, they did not hold out for long, for the grade of ore had also fallen. From 1861 until 1976, the camp has produced about 72,500,000 pounds of copper valued at the time at $12,100,00.
Copperopolis thrived during the Civil War. At a time when Mother Lode gold mining was in decline, the copper mines of Copperopolis made it one of California's largest and most important cities during the 1860s.
More than 60 commercial buildings lined the streets of the town during the 1860s. Much of the town burned in 1867, and with the Civil War over and copper prices declining, it was not rebuilt.
With electrification on the horizon, interest in copper began to increase in the late 1880s. Copper mining in the area resumed; mines were dewatered and a smelter was built.
The mines at Copperopolis continued to produce, with the years around the World Wars being the most prosperous. After World War 2, the last copper mines closed and never again reopened.
The historic town of Copperopolis faded, but a new community developed as housing developments were built in the area. Today a few hisorical buildings remains, along with the slag piles that serve as reminders of the area's copper-mining heritage.
It All Started With The Gold Rush
The great California Gold Rush kicked off the entire saga of western mining. Read about it at The California Gold Rush.
California Gold
"Where to Find Gold in California" looks at the density of modern placer mining claims along with historical gold mining locations and mining district descriptions to determine areas of high gold discovery potential in California. Read more: Where to Find Gold in California.
