The History of Robber’s Roost
By Norm McLeod
The Original Outlaw Stronghold was Known as Lime Rock
Local Indians Used the Rock to Communicate Through Smoke Signals, Until Driven Out by the 49ers
The Gassaway Gang Would Wait for a Signal that a Gold Laden Stagecoach was Headed Their Way
Four miles east of the Foresthill exit off Interstate 80 on the Foresthill Road is a vista point on your left overlooking the canyon of the North Fork of the American River. On the river’s opposite bank stands an imposing limestone rock formation rising formidably more than 1,000 feet above the river. This celebrated local landmark known first as "Lime Rock," was once the hiding place of an ancient god who descended from heaven to find seclusion and peace in one of its numerous deep caves.Legend has it that on the top side of the Rock is a deep natural shaft that drops 110 feet to a large cavern at its bottom. Early Indians in the area used the Rock’s promontory to send smoke signals to other natives living across the river.
After the Indians, were driven out by the flood of 49ers, a band of outlaws known as the Gassaway Gang, once used Lime Rock as a hideout and strategic lookout. A popular legend tells of the mysterious woman who signaled fellow gang members with mirrors on the approach of gold-laden Foresthill stages descending on the Divide side of the river. This female signaler was none other than the gang leader’s sister, Malinda Gassaway.
Operations of the Gassaway gang led to the current familiar identity of the Rock as "Robber’s Roost." Its many cavities provided ideal hiding places for the gang. Stories of booty hidden in its numerous caves have persisted many years, making the "Roost" a treasure buff’s delight.