Mokelumne Hill (Mokelumne, Miwok for "People of the Fish Net") is a small town in Calaveras County, California, United States. The population is approximately 750. The town takes its name from the neighboring Mokelumne River, which in turn is Miwok for the "people of Mokel," the likely name of a Native American village in the area.

From Wikipedia:

Mokelumne Hill was one of the richest gold mining towns in California. Founded in 1848 by a group of Oregonians, the placers were so rich that the miners risked starvation rather than head to Stockton to replenish their supplies (one finally did and made it rich by becoming a merchant). Soon after, gold was discovered in the nearby hills, so much so that miners were restricted to claims of 16 square feet (1.5 m2), and yet many of those claims were reported to have paid up to $20,000.

By 1850 the town was one of the largest in the area. Its population reached as high as 15,000 with people of all nationalities, particularly Americans, Frenchmen, Germans, Spaniards, Chileans, Mexicans, and Chinese. Besides racial tensions, the easy gold attracted criminal elements, and the town gained a reputation as one of the bawdiest in the area. Notorious bandit Joaquin Murrieta is said to have been a frequent visitor to the gambling venues. Violence was a major problem as well. In 1851, there was at least one homicide a week for seventeen consecutive weeks.

A June, 1851, incident in Mokelumne Hill has been dubbed California's French Revolution, or French War, by some historians. The previous year the State Legislature had passed the Foreign Miners' Tax Act of 1850. Frenchmen in the area revolted and refused to pay the tax. The Sheriff, also the Tax Collector, summoned a large posse to enforce the act, but the Frenchmen raised the French flag and proclaimed their independence. This prompted the Governor to direct a battalion of militia, commanded by William D. Bradshaw, to suppress the revolt. Disaster was averted when Bradshaw negotiated with the Frenchmen to stand down.

Also in 1851, the first post office was established in the town, and in 1852 the town became the county seat. In the same year a vigilance committee was formed and the worst of the crime was eliminated.

By the 1860s the gold started to run out and the town's population and importance diminished. When San Andreas became the new county seat in 1866, Mokelumne Hill's status declined even further. The town today is a quiet place, with much tourism due to its historic status.

So why "Mok.” instead of “Moke?”

Sloane’s mentors ran the Calaveras Publishing Company for many years - at the time the longest continuously publishing news company in California - and were sticklers for accuracy. During the Gold Rush, Mokelumne was shortened to Mok. when appropriate. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle from the old sodaworks, you’ll see some of the proof!

Wait, who’s Sloane?

Mok. Hill Miscellany (and Dell’Orto-Hefner Propagandists) are run by a mother and son team - Sloane Dell’Orto and Christopher Dell’Orto Hefner. We started Propagandists - a marketing, graphic design, and website company - back in 1999. (Chris was two at the time!) Chris is a sixth generation, proud Mokehillian. Their ancestors started Mokelumne Water and Mining Company, delivering water for the local miners who were practicing hydraulic mining at the time.

We started Mok. Hill Miscellany to help shine a light on the many very talented artists and craftspersons living in our town. Our shop includes our own line of Mok. Hill branded clothing and gifts, local arts and crafts, and a board advertising local businesses. We even have an online shop where you can order Mok. Hill merch!

Sloane has also been helping design the 4th of July shirts, as well as the logo and all other branding materials, for the Mokelumne Hill Fire Protection District and the Mokelumne Hill Volunteer Fire Association.