The Historic Gold Mining Town Of Coulterville.

Designated as State Historical Landmark No. 332.

Coulterville is located at the junction of State Highway Scenic Route 49 & 132. It is an authentic example of a California gold rush town. Coulterville got its name in 1853, from George Coulter, who opened the first supply store.

The historic marker is located in the town park. Across the street stands the "Whistling Billy" locomotive, under the hangman's tree. Whistling Billy carried the gold from the mines on a crooked railroad, which Hwy SR 49 follows in some parts.

Coulterville is six miles north of Lake McClure and 15 miles from Lake Don Pedro. Great location to camp at the Lake or lodge in town, and visit Yosemite National Park during the day. Coulterville is known to tourists all over the world as the gateway to Yosemite. Hwy 132 (Main Street) runs through town and leads to Yosemite National Park.

Coulterville is constructed of historic buildings and memories of the Gold Mining Days of '49.

Most of the Historical Descriptions used below, came from the History Museum walking tour guide, the remaining descriptions came from the town locals.

Interactive Map of Coulterville - Click on any colored dot to view the photograph.

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Whistling Billy

An 8 ton Porter Locomotive that was shipped around the horn and brought to Coulterville in 1897 by mule teams. The locomotive was purchased by the merced gold mining company for $3500. Running on 30 inch gauge track it was capable of hualing 15 ore cars, each weighing 5 tons when loaded. The tracks ran four miles from the Mary Harrison Mine to the Black Creek Potosi Mill or (40-stamper) At the point where Maxwell Creek was crossed, the train was 50 feet high on a wooden trestle.

This little railroad was called the "Crookedest Railroad in the World" The locomotive stands under the town hanging tree. From the which the likes of Leon Ruiz was hung in 1856, for killing and robbing two Chinese miners.

North County Visitor's Center and Chamber of Commerce Office

Once Alex Guerra's barber shop, this building was later the home of the Coulterville Post Office and now is the location of the North County Visitor's Center and Chamber of Commerce.

The Boardwalk

Built in the 1930's as a garage by the Canova family. It was used to house the Coulterville Fire Engine before the present Firehouse was built. Currently the Boardwalk is the home of the Coulterville Realty Office.

Canova Warehouse

About 1870 the 3 ft thick walls of this building were constructed of schist stone, mud and mortar by Mexican stone masons. The building was used by the Canova family until 1959.

Hotel Jeffery

Victorian hotel and tavern.

The Hotel Jeffery was built in 1851 and has 21 rooms furnished with history.

Part of the hotel is the world known Magnolia Saloon.

The Magnolia Saloon was featured in the famous Clint Eastwood movie PINK CADILLAC

Nuthin Fancy

Bruschi Brothers Warehouse

Built originally as a warehouse by the Bruschi Brothers, it was later converted to a general store. It was the only Bruschi store still standing through the fires. The interior of this building did not burn during the great fire because the ceiling has several inches of dirt above it. Only the wooden shingle roof burned. One side was a meat market and the other half of the store was for general merchandise.

In the Bruschi Building, John Muir shopped here at one time.

The Coulter Cafe

Orginally built as a residence, this building later became Samples Boarding House. After that it became Holland's grocery store and in later years, the building was used as a shop and as a beer and wine bar. It is now the Coulter Cafe, a full service restaurant with a beer, wine bar and a small grocery store.

Volunteer Fire Department

Home of Engine 26, Engine 226 and
Squad 26.

After years of fundraising events, planning, and determination the Coulterville Fire Station stands as a testament to the efforts of the local citizens. The station houses one structure fire fighting apparatus, one wildland fire truck and one rescue squad for medical aid with jaws of life.

Coulterville High School

This building was constructed in 1917, and was used as a school until 1967. In 1990 the school was reopened as a small and necessary High school. The average graduating class is four students.

Local School Information

• Grade School: Coulterville-Greeley Elementary School and Lake Don Pedro Elementary.
• High School: Coulterville High, Lake Don Pedro High School, and Mariposa High School.

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