Jullian

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.