The Calaveras County Economic Development Company (CCEDC) is presenting this first edition of the Calaveras County Profile. Our intention is to inspire action for achieving economic development that will lead to a prosperous Calaveras County. To achieve action, the CCEDC believes that meaningful information is vital to retain, enhance and attract business.

Information offered in this Profile is designed to provide insights into our County and communities. Stories will highlight some of our history and people; photographs will define our character; graphs will highlight our demographics & trends; and visioning will depict our future.

Actually the question should be “why are you waiting to live, expand your existing business or start a new business in Calaveras County?”

The County is conveniently located in the center of one of the most beautiful and vibrant states—California. All of the County departments needed for business expansion, startup or relocation are working towards a seamless process. Calaveras County offers the fastest means of communication, and affords easy access to national land and air transportation connections and commercial sea ports—without the road congestion to get there. The County also has a substantial national and international presence due to our celebrated jumping frogs, with the added advantage of extensive local experience and expertise.

The earliest residents

Some archaeological studies suggest the presence of people in Calaveras County as long as 12,000 years ago. However, more abundant evidence exists for the relatively recent descendents of ancient Great Basin tribes occupying the area during the last 2,000 to 3,000 years. Approximately 500 to 1,000 years ago the Northern Mi-Wuk Indians arrived in the area. They intensified use of the acorn as a staple food and utilized milling stations with multiple grinding holes. Great examples of these are found in Indian Rock State Park near Pine Grove in neighboring Amador County. The Mi- Wuks lived in tribal groups identified by family lineages, and moved seasonally through elevations in their territories.