The Hangman’s Tree is a point of interest found along the Gold Fever Off Road Trail in Holcomb Valley in the San Bernardino Mountains.
As miners and prospectors came to seek their fortune, outlaws, claim jumpers, gamblers and other trouble makes followed close behind. In late August, 1861, Holcomb valley is overrun by a group of organized horse thieves from Salt Lake City. The group, known as the Button’s Gang take over was so complete, the simply took over any cabin or settlement and appropriated any supplies and equipment within.
In the first two years since the discovery of Holcomb valley, over 50 murders are committed in the area. “Hell Roaring Johnson” is shot and killed for trying to fix the first election to be hold in the valley. Some outlaws evaded justice, but those not as fortunate found their reward at the Hangman’s Tree.
The tree labelled as the “Hangmans Tree” is not the original tree used in the 1800’s. However, it is commonly mistaken for the famous tree from Holcomb’s history. The remains of the original tree is believed to be located where a stump exists about 100 feet east of the Bellville Cabin.
Point of Interest Summary
| Name | Hangman’s Tree |
| Location | Holcomb Valley, San Bernardino County, California |
| Latitude, Longitude | 34.3034, -116.8891 |
| Gold Fever Trail Marker | 5 |
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