Murphys was one of the principal mining communities in Calaveras County, named for the discoverer of gold on the flat in 1849. A goal of many immigrants crossing the Sierras by Ebbetts Pass, Murphys Flat and the surrounding mines produced 20,000,000 dollars in gold. Early regulations restricted claims to 8 feet square. A suspension flume carrying water across Murphys Creek and a drainage race draining the flat were two outstanding accomplishments of early day miners. The business portion of town was destroyed by fire on August 20, 1859. The bandit Joaquin Murietta began his murderous career here, and the Calaveras Light Guards, recruiting for the Civil War, were organized here on May 4, 1861.