Back in the late 1800s, during the height of the gold rush, White Oaks had a thriving community centered around the mines. At one time, over 4,000 people lived in the town.

During the peak years of the gold rush, the population of indigenous people in California dropped from some 150,000 to roughly 31,000, according to the International Indian Treaty Council.

During the peak years of the gold rush, the population of indigenous people in California dropped from some 150,000 to roughly 31,000, according to the International Indian Treaty Council.