Originally settled around 1848, and named after St. Andrew, the town of San Andreas itself was not formed until 1853, after a large underground river channel proved to be full of gold. The infamous "gentleman bandit" Black Bart is remembered for his trial here at the Calaveras County courthouse in 1883. He was convicted and sent to San Quentin for six years. His whereabouts after his release remain a mystery to this day.
