| History of Twain Harte |
| Until the early 1800's the area surrounding Twain Harte was inhabited by the Me-Wuk Indians, deer, bear, antelope, elk, and other assorted furry creatures. The discovery of gold was about change everything. Twain Harte is different than many of the other Gold Country communities. While this area, like others around it, is honeycombed with old gold mines, Twain Harte itself is newer than its neighboring Gold Rush-era towns. Along with the miners; lumbermen, ranchers and farmers saw an opportunity to take advantage of the vast natural resources and supply the growing local economy. Lumber mills were needed to supply the timbers used in the construction of water ways that supplied the gold fields in the lower elevations. Both apple and pear orchards flourished in the Sierra climate and cattle were a necessary source of protein for the hard working miners. In 1861, Congress authorized construction of a road connecting the growing commercial center of Sonora with the mining town of Aurora. Toll gates were constructed in Twain Harte and Sugar Pine in an effort to defray expenses. By 1862 Rancher Patrick Williams purchases the patch of land that includes present day Twain Harte. Williams plants apple and pear orchards, runs a few head of cattle and maintains a rest stop for freight wagons bound for the east slope mines. Williams' son, John inherits the ranch after his father's death, and eventually sells out to Alonzo and Keturah Wood in 1923. Alonzo and his wife name their new development Twain Harte Resort after their favorite authors Mark Twain and Bret Harte. In 1925 Twain Harte Lodge Realty is organized for the purpose of selling stock in their new subdivision. A year later along comes Albert L. Nevins and Dr. E. Turner. They purchase the majority of the shares from Ketura Wood leaving her a 40 acre piece that will be known as Lilac Terrace. During the summer of 1927 the newly named Twain Harte Development Co. led by Nevins and Turner begins construction Harte Dam. Toward the projects end the men find they have under estimated the cost and investor Edward M. Marquis agrees to put up the rest of money needed to complete the dam. During The Great Depression the company cannot make their balloon payment as agreed and in 1934, Marquis forecloses taking control of the Company. He changes the name to Twain Harte Realty. The minimum cost for a cabin site was $100 and sales were good. Some of San Francisco's wealthiest families soon discovered this "resort among the pines." Its quaintness and natural beauty subsequently attracted visitors from a much wider geographical area. Today, Twain Harte has a sizeable year round population but continues to attract a growing number of tourists who quickly appreciate what a special place they too have discovered. Twain Harte is considered one of California's premier retirement areas. Those who live here say it's perfect: high enough to be out of the smog and fog and out of the wicked scorching summers in the valley; high enough to offer enough snow in the winter to be scenic but not overly bothersome. There's plenty to do though for all ages. Locals and tourists alike enjoy a round of golf among the pines. Nearby Dodge Ridge offers great winter skiing. There are several scenic lakes with fishing, boating and swimming. The Twain Harte community itself offers first class accommodations with a myriad of restaurants and quaint shops. Population: 2,170 Twain Harte, California is nestled in the pines just off Highway 108 some 10 miles to the east (and above) Sonora. The elevation here averages about 3,800 feet, enough to enjoy something all too rare in California: 4 seasons! |
| History of Jamestown,History of Columbia, History of Sonora, History of Tuolumne, History of Twain Harte, History of Mi Wuk |