Burson, CA…For those fascinated by the history of early California, brands of the Old West, and/or ranching in America, the newly published Brands of Calaveras County, California 1854-1880 offers a rare glimpse into the past through the brands associated with one county’s ranchers. Believed to be the only book of its kind ever published, Brands of Calaveras County, California 1854-1880 explores the earliest brands recorded in one of California’s original counties, beginning just after the Gold Rush. Yet what emerges from its 245 brand filings and 376 pages is not just a story of livestock brands but also a story of families–of heritage and emigration, births and deaths, marriages and children, success and failure.

The premiere release from Calaveras History Publishing, a division of the Society for the Preservation of West Calaveras History, Inc., a nonprofit charitable trust, Brands of Calaveras County, California 1854-1880 was authored by historian and journalist Salvatore John Manna and Calaveras County Archivist Shannon Dixon Van Zant.

A book signing will take place from noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 11th, at Common Grounds, 1900 Vista del Lago in Valley Springs. In addition, copies are available for purchase through westcalaverashistory.org, Amazon.com, and select retailers. For more information, please contact the SPWCH at westcalaverashistory@gmail.com.