Chili Gulch

This five-mile gulch was the richest placer mining section in Calaveras County.

The largest known quartz crystals were recovered from a mine on the south side of the gulch.

Accounts vary widely about the details, at least 2 men were killed in shootouts and others wounded.

[3] Some source include mention of Joaquin Murrieta's involvement on the side of the Chileans.

The events in Calaveras County projected the Murietta legend into the politics of Chile where anti-American politicians used it to garner votes.