Cheryl Anne StappJul 1, 20201 minThe 1887 Land RushFor twenty years southern California had poured money, and millions of printed brochures, into a publicity campaign to attract settlers...
Cheryl Anne StappJun 24, 20201 minThe Silver Bullion Heist It is still called Bullion Bend. It is a stretch of curving old stage road that once continued on from Placerville, California to Carson...
Cheryl Anne StappJun 17, 20202 minThey Saw the ElephantThe wanna-be rich-quick gold prospectors who swarmed into California hoping— but failing— to find an easy fortune, boosted the folklore...
Cheryl Anne StappJun 10, 20202 minChasing Horse ThievesHorse thieves harassed Californians for well over 100 years. Horse stealing began in the late 18th century, when Spanish missionaries and...