Copperopolis History Alive In New Town

Copperopolis, CA — The history of Copperopolis is being forever preserved in a new town called Copper Mill. And there will be shopping too.

Saturday hundreds gathered in Copperopolis to watch the groundbreaking ceremony, which, like the development, captures the area´s past.

Reenactors dressed in 19th century garb greeted visitors as they were treated to music and food. Community members filled a white tent and looked on as a giant earthmover scooped up a ton of dirt.

In designing the town, planners have incorporated Copperopolis´ history in many ways, one of which is naming the streets after long time families of the area. At the groundbreaking ceremony those families were honored with plaques.

Copper Mill will create a 28-acre mix of retail and residential in a traditional town square at Highway 4 and Little John Road. The town will comprise 100 business, and offices, lofts and homes.

Castle and Cooke Calaveras is building the town and hope to be open by mid-year 2007.

Vice President Dave Haley said the development would bring 1,200 jobs. The businesses would be boutique type stores, the largest being a specialty grocery store.

Written by Vanessa Turner.