Dorrington, CA
Homes for Sale in Dorrington CA
What is it like to live in Dorrington CA?
Dorrington is a small, unincorporated community with a slower paced atmosphere. It’s ideal for those seeking to escape the urban hustle or Calaveras’ more populated towns and want a more tranquil lifestyle.
Homes in Dorrington are typically cabins, mountain chalets, or rustic-style residences. The community is known for its towering pine forests, wonderful mountain views, and has close proximity to natural attractions and county events.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy plentiful hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing options in nearby towns.
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What is the history of Dorrington CA?
Originally known as Cold Spring Ranch, it served as a vital stopping point along the Big Tree-Carson Valley Road, a toll road operating from 1862 to 1910. This route was essential for travelers, stockmen, miners, and traders moving between Murphys and Ebbetts Pass.
Dorrington got its name from Rebekah Dorrington Gardner, the wife of John Gardner. The Gardners homesteaded the area in 1868 and established a hotel that became a significant stop along the Big Tree-Carson Valley Road.
When a U.S. post office was established in the area in 1902, it was officially named Dorrington in honor of Rebekah’s maiden name, reflecting her and her family’s influence on the community.
The Dorrington Hotel
The Dorrington Hotel is one of Calaveras County’s oldest hotels dating back to the 1880s, and some even say it’s haunted. Originally known as Cold Spring Ranch due to an ice cold spring, the property was first recorded in 1853.
In 1868, John Gardner and William A. Gibson purchased the 160-acre parcel, and Gardner, along with his wife Rebekah Dorrington Gardner, homesteaded it that same year. After it burned down in the 1880s, Gardner constructed the present hotel on the opposite side of the road.
The hotel sits on State Route 4 and was a historic stopping place on the Big Tree-Carson Valley road and was a toll road between Murphys and Ebbetts Pass, often serving as a resort for visitors to what is now Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
Visit their website for more information.
Dorring CA School Information
Dorrington, California, is served by the Vallecito Union School District for elementary and middle school education, and by the Bret Harte Union High School District for high school education.
Visit the Vallecito Union School District website for more information.
Visit the Bret Harte Union School District website for more information.