The tiny town of Granite has an extensive mining history. Following the decline of mining activity in the California gold fields, miners headed north in their search for gold. Albert C. Tabor struck gold in Granite Creek on July 4, 1862, and appropriately named his claim the Independence. Some historians claim the town was then named Independence, but when applying for a post office, the residents discovered a town by this name already existed in Oregon. The name was then changed to Granite, after the abundance of granite rock through out the area. Visitors will find many amenities and friendly down-home folks in this tiny high-mountain hamlet.