Our county is also very philanthropic. This is shown every day through the outpouring of support offered to each other and by the generosity shown in supporting the arts, education, assistance programs, and the community as a whole with time, resources, and donations. We are glad to stop and let a driver turn left in front of us on Sonora’s main street. We believe in spaghetti feeds and raffles to help our neighbors in need, and our spirit of volunteerism is very high.

What about our history?

Every area worldwide has a history to share. Tuolumne County is no different. Our earliest inhabitants were the Native American tribes. They were infiltrated by the mountain men and trappers, the early emigrants and miners searching for gold. As mining faltered, logging took its place. Our residents value the history of our county and are eager to share it with tourists who visit our unique communities, our many museums and numerous cemeteries. Over the years we preserved and restored a number of historical sites and buildings which help retain the flavor of an earlier time.

In conclusion

Tuolumne County is a place of unique natural, historic, and cultural features. It is home to active people enhancing and protecting community identity, while striving for economic balance. Quality of life in Tuolumne County is closely tied to aesthetic, scenic, philanthropic, recreational, artistic, and rural elements.

Those of us who worked on the Tuolumne County Profile 2005 were challenged to measure the importance of yesterday, the significance of today, and the hope for tomorrow. We live in a land of beauty rich in natural resources, delicate environments, and changing demographics. It is our hope that the following indicator study supports our collective goal of encouraging economic growth consistent with prudent natural resource stewardship and respect for our heritage.