http://sisp.net/~research/bigbear4.htm

	MOUNTAIN/DESERT RESEARCHER Pat Onorato/Webmaster

ThThe history of Big Bear Valley mountain resort goes back as far as its discovery by Don Benito Wilson, a statesman, pioneer, and land owner. The grandfather of George S. Patton, Wilson as a soldier had command at different times of various military units to defend settlements against marauding Indians in the San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
xxXXXXXXBALDWIN PROSPECTS FOR GOLD
xxxAlso well known soon after the gold strike of Holcomb Valley, in Big Bear Valley, in the early days of California history is "Lucky" Baldwin. Baldwin operated Gold Mountain Mine and did extensive prospecting in Van Dusen Canyon in an effort to bring water to the area. During the geological periods, the extent of which millions of years is beyond the conception of the human mind, the lands heaved themselves up from the bed of the ocean, enormous mountains rose and were tossed back into the ebbing tides, and earthquakes rattled the area.
xxxAreas under the stress of deep pressures groaned and great points of movement emerged like the San Andrea’s faults and Mission Creek.
xxxFinally movement did come to rest while storms of enormous magnitude and volcanic flows ignited temperatures from frigid to torrid…these all added their forces to create one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas in Southern California, Big Bear Valley.
xxxXXXXXMINERALS FROM PALEOZOIC ERA
xxxWhile rock formations of igneous and sedimentary nature formed mineral deposits, it enriched San Bernardino county with a wealth of diversified minerals including gold, silver, lead, copper, iron, zinc, quicksilver, manganese, asbestos, gems; many of silica’s and other minerals were deposited during the Paleozoic and other periods.
xxxGreat Indian tribes, some warriors, some peaceful developed encampments along the fringe of the mountains in areas where winter habitation was possible. Some Indians gathered pinion nuts and wild berries while others hunted bear, deer and antelope through the dense forests of Big Bear Valley.
XXxIn 1880, the Valley still contained considerable bear, which played and fed on the marshy banks of The influx of trappers to Big Bear Valley naturally brought with them gold prospectors. Some Neophyte Indians had discovered gold in Southern California in San xFeliciano canyon over near Newhall in 1841.xx

xxThe gold strike of 1849 brought pioneer William F. Holcomb,born in Indiana in 1831 and who came west via the Oregon Trail, while in his early twenties. Gold strikes were made in Holcomb Valley and Starvation Flats, although of minor significance they brought a rush of people into Big Bear Valley.xx
xxxStepping up to 1924, the bridge across the dam was built and allowed motorists to drive completely around Big Bear Lake.
xxxThe freshwater ake is approximately eight miles long and one mile wide at its widest point, it is a maximum depth of 72 feet with 23 miles of shoreline used for hiking, and fishing. It also has a bicycle trail along a portion.. For water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, swimming, boating and a beach.
xxSTOCKED WITH TROUT, BASS
xxxStocked with an abundance of bass, trout, crappie, catfish, and bluegill, boat, dock and shore fishing attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year.
xxxLocated in the San Bernardino National Forest at an altitude of 6,750 feet at lakeside, the mountain people of Big Bear live in an ideal four-season resort area boasting of a magnitude of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and cycling.
xxxThe winter months bring many skiers from around Southern California and other areas to Big Bear Lake; with an approximate average snowfall of approximately 100 inches, temperatures range from 40’s during the day to 20’s at night. Big Bear buzzes with annual events in all seasons.
xxxx XXXGREAT TEMPERATURES
xxxThe area provides a natural habitat for almost 30 wintering bald eagles and several rare plants contiguous to the area.
Heavily forested, summer temperatures range around 78 degrees during the day, 45 degrees at night. Claiming close to 300 days of sunshine, it features a solar observatory located at the lake.
XXXXXXXXXmmXX