A. E. Coleman

Who is A. E. Coleman?

A. E. "Fred" Coleman was a former slave credited with discovering gold in Julian, California and thus launching a minor gold rush in that area. Coleman was employed as cattle herder and living in the Julian area with a Native American wife and family. In 1869, Coleman, while watering his horse in a small creek, noticed flecks of gold in the stream. Coleman had previously worked in the gold fields of Northern California.

Coleman was elected the recorder of the newly formed Coleman Mining District. In present day Julian, the creek where the gold was discovered has been named Coleman Creek although it is overrun by brambles and trees and essentially hidden from view. Coleman Circle, a nearby street, is also named after A.E. Coleman.

Coleman was one of several African Americans who made significant contributions to early "gold rush" Julian. Other pioneering African Americans from the area include the founders of the Robinson Hotel, and America Newton.