Dogtown, California
Dogtown, California is a name that has been used for several locations within the state, each with its own unique history and significance. This article will explore the various Dogtowns, their origins, and their historical contexts.
Dogtown in Mono County
Dogtown in Mono County is a ghost town that dates back to the California Gold Rush. Located near Mono Lake, this Dogtown was one of the earliest and most significant hydraulic mining camps in California. The town got its name from the makeshift huts, often referred to as "dog huts," that miners lived in. At its peak, Dogtown was bustling with activity as miners used giant hoses to wash down mountain slopes in search of gold.
Historical Significance
Dogtown was the site of the first major gold rush on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. The town's ruins, including stone hut walls and a single gravesite, are all that remain today. The area is marked by a historical plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Mono County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Mono County Historical Society.
Dogtown in Marin County
Another Dogtown is located in Marin County, specifically in the rural West Marin region. Originally named Woodville, this unincorporated community lies at an elevation of 187 feet and is situated beside the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore. The name was changed to Dogtown due to the large number of hunting dogs kept by the residents.
Community and Education
Dogtown is part of the Bolinas-Stinson Union School District, which provides K-8 education, and the Tamalpais Union High School District. Students attend Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley after 8th grade. The village includes the historic Nelson Hotel, which was connected by the old North Pacific Coast Railroad to the Bolinas Station, en route to Point Reyes.
Dogtown in Butte County
In Butte County, Dogtown is known for the discovery of the Dogtown Nugget, the first large gold nugget found in California. The nugget was discovered in Willard Gulch on April 12, 1859, and weighed 54 troy pounds. The town of Magalia, which was called Mountain View, Butte Mills, and Dogtown in 1859, later joined to become Magalia.
Historical Marker
A historical marker was erected in 1985 by E Clampus Vitus, Pair-O-Dice Chapter No. 7-11, to commemorate the site. The marker is located in Magalia and highlights the significance of the Dogtown Nugget discovery.
Dogtown in Oakland
Dogtown is also a neighborhood in West Oakland. The name is believed to have originated from the large number of dogs that guarded the many junkyards in the area. The boundaries of this Dogtown are disputed, but it is generally considered to be bounded by 34th, Hollis, and 32nd Streets and Mandela Parkway.
Cultural Impact
Dogtown in Oakland has a rich cultural history and has been a focal point for various community activities. The neighborhood has undergone significant changes over the years, but it remains an important part of Oakland's history.
Dogtown in Santa Monica
In the 1970s, a group of surfers known as the Zephyr Team or Z-Boys started surfing in an area of southern Santa Monica known as Dogtown. This area, which covers Venice and Ocean Park beaches, became the birthplace of modern skateboarding. The Z-Boys' innovative techniques and rebellious spirit transformed skateboarding into a global phenomenon.
Skateboarding Culture
Dogtown's influence on skateboarding culture is immortalized in the film "Lords of Dogtown" and the documentary "Dogtown and Z-Boys." The area remains a cultural landmark for skateboarders and surfers alike.