Deep in the heart of Northern California, nestled among other small towns in Calaveras County, lies a historical community named Sheep Ranch. The name of the town was derived from the fact that the town was once encompassed by a massive sheep corral that was surrounded by a large picket fence. In 1860 croppings of gold ore were discovered in the sheep corral. The Calaveras County Historical Society pamphlet states "Sheep Ranch is located 9 miles northeast of Murphys on bumpy Sheep Ranch Road. For over 40 years Sheep Ranch was a bustling gold mining town. Before the turn of the century there were five flourishing gold mines and one had a ten-stamp mill. The town also supported 15 saloons." The town was patented on August 4, 1880 by Judge Ira Hill Read.

In its hey day the town of Sheep Ranch boasted two churches, one Catholic and the other Protestant. The school employed two teachers until 1907 when the enrollment dwindled to 30 pupils taught by one teacher. Visitors could stay at one of two hotels, the Eagle Hotel and the Pioneer Hotel. The Eagle Hotel was destroyed by fire but the historic Pioneer Hotel still stands.

The main mine in town was known as the Hearst mine. George Hearst, who with partners bought the mine in 1897, was the father of William Randolph Hearst. The mine operated under various company names until shut down by the government in 1942.

At one time the town of Sheepranch held two churches, one Catholic and the other Protestant. The local red brick school house, which still stands as a private home, employed two teachers until 1907 when the enrollment dwindled to 30 pupils taught by one teacher. The Eagle Hotel and the Pioneer Hotel were the two prominent local establishments, but only the Pioneer Hotel still stands.