| Official Name: | Valley Springs |
| Settlement Type: | Census designated place |
| Mapsize: | 250x200px |
| Pushpin Map: | USA |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in the United States |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Type2: | County |
| Subdivision Name2: | Calaveras |
| Unit Pref: | US |
| Area Total Sq Mi: | 9.875 |
| Area Land Sq Mi: | 9.872 |
| Area Water Sq Mi: | 0.003 |
| Area Total Km2: | 25.579 |
| Area Land Km2: | 25.570 |
| Area Water Km2: | 0.009 |
| Area Water Percent: | 0.04 |
| Elevation Ft: | 669 |
| Elevation M: | 204 |
| Population As Of: | 2020 |
| Population Footnotes: | [1] |
| Population Total: | 3,779 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Population Density Sq Mi: | auto |
| Timezone: | Pacific |
| Utc Offset: | -8 |
| Coordinates: | 38.1917°N -120.8292°W |
| Timezone Dst: | PDT |
| Utc Offset Dst: | -7 |
| Postal Code Type: | ZIP codes |
| Postal Code: | 95226, 95252 |
| Area Code Type: | Area code |
| Area Code: | 209 |
| Blank Name: | FIPS code |
| Blank1 Name: | GNIS feature IDs |
| Blank1 Info: | , |
Valley Springs (formerly known as Spring Valley and Valley Spring) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Calaveras County, California, United States, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Valley Springs is registered as a California Historical Landmark, number 251.
The earliest inhabitants of Valley Springs were Native Americans, specifically the Mi-Wuk and Yokuts tribes. Evidence of their presence includes grinding rocks found in the area. These tribes gathered acorns for trade and food before returning to their homes in the spring. The Mi-Wuk were later driven further into the hills due to the influx of gold miners.[2]
In 1849, the first saloon and store opened in the Valley Springs region. This development was followed by the establishment of small farms and large ranches to provide food for settlers. Stage stops emerged along what is now Highway 26, and lodging developed. Additionally, what is now Highway 12 linked roads to the surrounding areas.
The need for more affordable freight rates, expansion of tourism to Big Trees, and timber interests led to the construction of a quicker mode of transport. Land sold quickly, and roads and buildings were constructed as settlers arrived.
The San Joaquin & Sierra Nevada Railroad built a three-foot narrow gauge line from Brack’s Landing on the Mokelumne River to Valley Springs, completed in April 1885 at a cost of $409,570.[3] On April 25, 1885, the first train arrived at Valley Springs station, initially just a tent. Valley Springs became a center of freight distribution, with residents able to reach San Francisco in 7.5 hours, Stockton in 2.5 hours, and Sacramento in 3 hours by train.
In September 1895, a large fire destroyed much of the central town. Despite rebuilding efforts, Valley Springs’ population growth remained below 1% per year. Electricity was installed in 1899. Around 1904, Southern Pacific converted the rail line to standard gauge. However, from 1910 to 1930, the population drastically decreased, and by 1923, Valley Springs had only 350 residents.
In 1925, Southern Pacific extended the rail line 13 miles east to Kentucky House to serve the Calaveras Cement Company. This extension facilitated the development of the Pardee Dam and the shipment of cement to customers such as the Bay Area. Major projects like the McClellan and Travis Air Force bases, San Francisco Airport, Central Valley dams, and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge were built using cement transported from Valley Springs. The construction of the Hogan Dam and Pardee Dam increased employment. Local industries, including lumber, forest products, cement, and clay, boosted shipping needs. Agriculture remained the primary occupation, focusing on grains, livestock, and small-scale wine grapes and olives. Valley Springs’ strategic location was key to its importance. The 1930s and 1940s saw a 6% annual population increase. Population growth flattened in the 1950s but surged again in the 1960s due to the development of the Camanche Reservoir and the expansion of the Hogan Reservoir.
Passenger service ended around 1932, but the rail line continued to operate as a freight line until the cement plant closed, with the last shipment in 1983.
The 1970s experienced further population increases from developments like Rancho Calaveras and the La Contenta Golf Course. Despite the closure of major manufacturing in the 1980s, Valley Springs continues to grow in population and development, contributing to the development of major cities in the valley and the bay.
A post office was opened in Valley Springs in 1872, closed in 1879, and re-established in 1882. A post office currently operates in the town.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 9.9sqmi, 99.96% of it is land.
Valley Springs has a Mediterranean climate typical of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Winters are cool and wet with mild days, chilly nights, and substantial rainfall. Summers are hot and dry with very hot days, cool nights, and minimal rainfall. Due to the orographic effect, rainfall in all seasons is significantly greater than on the valley floor to the west.
Summers are typically very warm to hot, springs and falls are temperate, and winters are cool with a slight dusting of snow and/or frost. Hot, dry summers make Valley Springs fire-prone; however, three fire stations, lake water, and adequate road access assist in extinguishing fires expediently.[4]
Valley Springs' total population is 3,553, at 50.00% each male and female (with 1 more male than female).[5]
Valley Springs voters are a majority Republican, about one-third Democrat, and roughly 9% independent. This is a greater percentage Republican and Independent than the United States average, and a lesser percentage Democrat.[6]
In the state legislature, Valley Springs is in,[7] and .[8]
Federally, Valley Springs is in .[9]