Big Oak Flat - First called Savage Diggin's after a man who discovered gold there in 1848. Renamed Big Oak Flat about 1850 after a giant oak tree in the center of town, about 13 feet in diameter, undermined in 1869, burned in 1890, pieces remain. Rich placer lode mines reportedly yielded $28 million during heyday. Remnants remain of the stone building erected in 1852 on Highway 120 west of Groveland.

Chinese Camp - Founded around 1849 originally as Washington Camp and renamed Chinese Camp after a heavy population of Chinese moved in. Surface gold found on the hills and flats, but area seriously short of water. Headquarters for stage lines, several California Chinese mining companies, early 1850's. Chinese tong war fought nearby between 900 members of Yan Woo tong of Chinese Camp and 1,200 members of San Yap tong of Rock River Ranch. Stone and brick post office build 1854. Church built 1855, restored 1949.

Groveland - Formerly First Garrote, a name traced to the hanging of a Mexican for stealing a horse. Adobe buildings are still standing, and were built 1849, as shown by dated adobe brick. Gold was discovered in 1849. Thousands of dollars in placer gold was taken from mines on Garrote Creek, Big Creek and other diggings. Deer Flat, Noisy Flat and the Rancheria were well-known nearby places in its heyday. Located on Highway 120.

Second Garrote - A sizable settlement established by miners in 1894, it spreads east from Big Oak Flat and Groveland. A famous hangman's tree was reportedly instrumental in the deaths of lawbreakers during the area's heyday, hence the name. A California State Historic Landmark plaque is two miles east of Groveland.