About West Point, CA
West Point is a census-designated place in California's Calaveras County. Originally a camp established by the famous scout Kit Carson as he searched for a pass over the Sierra Nevada, the area was a trading post before gold was discovered here. The north branch of one emigrant road came directly to West Point, and the well-known author Bret Harte (1836-1902) also lived here for a time. When first founded in 1854, the place was named Indian Gulch. The name changed to West Point in 1856, to Westpoint in 1895, and back to West Point in 1947. West Point's colorful history has earned it the designation of California Historical Landmark #268.Today, some important West Point businesses include Waltons Mountain Winery & Vineyard, Sam Snead Real Estate and Maynard Management Realty, while its educational needs are met by the West Point School (K-12). Every year, West Point hosts West Point Lumberjack Days, and some local recreational facilities include the Sandy Creek Baseball Field, Moore Creek Campground and Salt Springs State Game Reserve.
