Shaws Flat Marker and Miner's Bell

The historic site marker, and the miner's bell from the town of Shaws Flat, in Tuolumne County, California.

The Marker reads: Shaws Flat

In 1850 this community was alive with gold miners.

James D. Fair, after whom the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco is named, was one of the most notable. The Mississippi House, built in 1850, contains many relics, including the original bar and postoffice with its grill and mail boxes. On a nearby hill stands the old bell given by miners which summoned men to work, and announced the convening of various courts. According to tradition, a local bartender added to his incom by panning gold dust dropped on his muddy boots while serving customers.

This tablet was placed at Shaws Flat in 1947. Since then, the Mississippi House has been torn down, and little is left of this historic community.

This despicable act was sanctioned in 1989 by a "progress-oriented" county council.