A Traveler's Guide to Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries of the California Gold Rush [Paperback]

Susan Morris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1996

The January 1848 discovery of gold nuggets in the South Fork of the American River started a rush to the foothills of the Siera Nevada that lasted more than two decades. The tale of gold for the taking was told and retold in a multitude of tongues and on several continets. Jews from many lands and speaking many languages were among the thousands of individuals who made the difficult journey to seek a new life of economic, political, and social freedom in the new American West.

Nestled in the spectacular California Gold Rush Country are seven pioneer Jewish cemeteeries, preserved as historic sites and dedicated to the memory of these Gold Rush pioneers. As you travel historic Route 49 and study the worn inscriptions on these gravestones, you will discover evidence of Jewish community life in these Gold Rush towns--pioneer family ties, the high rate of infant mortality, membership in local organizations, and in a few cases, the violence of the frontier.

This easy-to-use guide is a must for all who enjoy traveling in the routes of the past, finding evidence of communities long gone. Your journy will be made easier with maps, extensive illustrations, walking tours of the cemeteries, and a suggested three-day visit to the Gold Country.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Morris, an archivist and oral historian of Western Jewish history, has put together a genealogical treasure trove that documents the final resting places for many early Jewish California settlers. In addition to being a specialized historic record, it is an in-depth, self-guided tour of Jewish cemeteries, all founded in the 1850s, in seven Gold Rush towns-Sonora, Mokelumne Hill, Jackson, Placerville, Nevada City, Grass Valley, and Maryville. Brief family backgrounds, maps, cemetery facts (name, founding date, first/last burials, size, etc.), and community overviews are just some of the items Morris includes. Among the most important features is the section on gravestone symbol interpretation. These symbols, together with the Hebrew inscriptions, reveal a great deal about the deceased. A welcome addition for both amateur and professional researchers of these communities and families.
Ann E. Cohen, Rochester P.L., N.Y.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 99 pages
• Publisher: Judah L. Magnes Museum (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0943376637
• ISBN-13: 978-0943376639
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #497,896 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting historical story, September 3, 2010

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This review is from: A Traveler's Guide to Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries of the California Gold Rush (Paperback)

Ms. Morris has thoroughly researched and updated the Levinson book, Jews in the California Gold Rush, with maps and the names of all persons buried in these pioneer Jewish cemeteries, a little known story in California. Personal stories of the Jewish communities which flourished in the Gold Rush era and the small, almost unknown cemeteries is very interesting, and this small volume reads quite well and is an excellent guide to the cemeteries.