1865's gold rush in Juillian continues today with golden apples and the Oak Hills Bed and Breakfast Farm.

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

One of the finest Lodges to stay at today is called Oak Hills. Located on the northern part of town across from Coleman creek and only minutes from Juillian's historic minning and downtown areas. The Oak Hills lies at the center of some of southern California's most beautiful eastern like scenery. Just an hour east form San Diego and a 4 hour drive south from the inland empire, it is a world unto itself with tall pine trees and snow in the winter time and generally mild days in the summer surrounded by semi arid desert on all sides of the Mts.

The Oak Hill Farm and Lodge offers three different styles of rooms for the weekend visitor. From Early American to Colonial style to Civil war Historical. All rooms offer Queen Beds, private bath, private entrances for those who wish to sunbath ir use the spa late at night, a fully stocked wet bar and refrigerator, cable TV, coffee service, and a personally served continental breakfast served to you while you remain in your Tub or bed on your own private enclosed patio.

Reservations - Full payment or credit card guarantee is required to confirm a reservation. Master card, VISA, American Express or Personal Check accepted.

To make reservations call 760-765-2356. And remember, they don't allow one nighters.

Located on Coleman Creek Road along the Coleman Creek south of Main street in Juillian.

Gary Hall theghostpainter