When traces of gold were discovered in Coleman Creek in 1869,
it marked the beginning of a gold rush whose legacy we still
enjoy today. Julian remains almost unchanged as
one of the most picturesque gold mining towns in California.
Gold is still being mined today , but the real treasures are
the town itself, along with its clean mountain air which give
Julain a unique and quiet enchantment.
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.
