2015 Julian Gold Rush Days
June 27 –28, 2015
- Sponsor:
- The Julian Chamber of Commerce, 760-765-1857
- Venue:
- Julian Mining Company
4444 Hwy 78, Julian/Wynola, CA 92036 [map]
- When:
- Sat, May 31 and Sun, June 1, 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Website:
- www.juliangoldrushdays.com
GOLD RUSH DAYS ACTIVITIES
- Scavenger Hunt:
- Be on the lookout for the "Golden Nugget" at participating stores.
- Train Ride:
- Call for reservations, 760-765-2288.
- Julian Doves & Desperadoes:
- Historic comedy skits, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm at the stage area between Julian Fitness Center & the Julian Market & Deli.
Call for more info, 760-765-1857.
- Eagle and High Peak Mine and Museum:
- Daily mine tours from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
Adults $10.00, Children $5.00.
Gold panning and museum included in the price.
Call for more info, 760-765-1857.
Julian Gold Rush Days celebrates the discovery of gold in this mountain community and invites visitors to learn more about its history with a weekend of entertainment including gold panning, tomahawk throwing demonstrations, historic skits, candle dipping and more. Held at the Julian Mining Company in Wynola, the old fashioned mining camp will offer free admission, vendors, an arts and crafts market, food and drink, a petting zoo, children's pioneer games, face painting, free parking and plenty of family fun.
In addition to the mining camp, events planned for the Julian Gold Rush Days weekend include a scavenger hunt for the golden nugget, performances by the Julian Doves & Desperadoes, gold mine tours, gold panning, a special train ride and gold tour at Smith Ranch, photo opportunities, and fun for the entire family.
"Julian Gold Rush Days is a great opportunity to 'turn back the clock' and give visitors an idea of what Julian was like in its early days," according to Tracy Turner, Vice President of the Julian Chamber of Commerce. "It's entertainment for the whole family!"
In the winter of 1869, when former slave Fred Coleman discovered gold in a small creek just outside of Julian, it set off a frenzy that became San Diego's own gold rush. Within a few weeks, over 800 prospectors from all over the country were headed to Julian in search of gold. The first producing gold mine – the Washington Mine – was discovered in February 1870, and within days over 40 other claims were registered.
The gold rush lasted off and on for about 30 years, producing almost $2 million in gold (about $150 million in today's market). While other nearby gold mining towns such as Banner City, Branson City, Cuyamaca City and Eastwood disappeared over time, Julian continued to thrive with the production of its newest commodity – apples.
The Wilcox store in Julian served as a general store, post office, and stage coach stop, ca. 1885. ©SDHS #3593-G, courtesy of The San Diego Historical Society.
Life Beyond Gold:
A New Look at the History
of Julian, California