About Angels Camp
Angels Camp, also known as "Frogtown," is the only incorporated city in Calaveras County, California. As of the 2020 census, the population was 3,667. The city lies at an elevation of 1,381 feet (421 meters) and covers a total area of 3.64 square miles.
The city is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills and is part of the historic Gold Country region. Angels Camp is perhaps best known for its connection to Mark Twain's famous short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," which was based on a tale he claimed to have heard at the Angels Hotel in 1865.
🐸 The Jumping Frog Jubilee
This legendary event is commemorated annually with a Jumping Frog Jubilee each May at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, just east of the city. The festival celebrates the town's unique heritage and attracts visitors from around the world.
Angels Camp serves as a gateway to the Sierra Nevada mountains and offers visitors a glimpse into California's rich Gold Rush history. The city maintains its historic charm while providing modern amenities for residents and tourists alike.
History
Angels Camp was established as a mining camp in 1848 during the California Gold Rush. The town was named after Henry Angell (also spelled "Angel"), a native of Rhode Island who set up a tent store on the banks of the creek in 1848. The surrounding placers were productive but eventually gave out after a few years, leading to a population decline.
However, the discovery of gold-bearing quartz veins in the town brought people back. These mines operated for the next few decades, producing more than $20 million worth of gold, processed by stamp mills in town. The mining operations were significant enough to sustain the community and establish Angels Camp as an important settlement in the region.
The first post office was established in 1851 (originally called Carson's Creek) and was renamed along with the town in 1853. The city was incorporated under the name of "Angels" on January 24, 1912, making it one of the oldest incorporated cities in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
📚 Mark Twain's Connection
In 1865, Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) visited Angels Camp and stayed at the Angels Hotel. It was there that he heard a story about a jumping frog contest, which inspired his famous short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." This story launched Twain's literary career and forever linked Angels Camp to American literature.
Today, Angels Camp preserves its Gold Rush heritage through historic buildings, museums, and annual events. The city's downtown area features many original structures from the 19th century, providing visitors with an authentic glimpse into California's mining past.