Author: Rick Rockwell
The Butte Store: a historical reminder of the forgotten Butte City
Along Highway 49 in Amador County, stands a historic structure too proud to fade into the past like the town it was once a part of. The Butte Store, which was constructed in the 1850’s, is nothing more than four walls seemingly out of place with today’s landscape. But, if you look close enough, this …...
The SS Monte Carlo Uncovered: The Sin Ship’s legendary history
During the 1930’s a handful of ships, often thought to be under the control of the mob, dotted the Pacific Coast of California in effort to skirt State and Federal alcohol, gambling and prostitution laws. The S.S. Monte Carlo, one of these ships, was anchored off the coast of Long Beach and San Diego, was …...
The Bridgeport Covered Bridge: a National Landmark spanning the South Yuba River
The Bridgeport Covered Bridge has become a cherished landmark within Nevada County, California. It’s also recognized as a National Historic Landmark due to its remarkable condition, rare type of bridge, age and usefulness during California’s Gold Rush days. Founding of Bridgeport The location of Bridgeport was first established as a...
Bufano Peace Statue Monument: The Expanding Universe at Timber Cove
Located behind the Timber Cover Resort, along the rugged Sonoma County coast of California, stands a statue that seemingly looks out of place. Despite its contrasting appearance to the coastal landscape, the story behind this artistic masterpiece, known as The Expanding Universe or Madonna of Peace, only proves that it’s right where it...
The Church of the Immaculate Conception: Smartsville’s historic catholic church
As the years pass by, churches from the Gold Rush era are becoming harder to find. Many of the Gold Rush towns have faded into history with very few remnants, if any, to show of their existence. Yuba County’s Smartsville was one of the lucky towns to have survived Gold Country’s disappearing act. And, in their …...
Silvina’s Basket mural is a warm welcome to Woodland
Public murals are often subject to polarizing opinions. One side may find them to be artistic and beneficial to a town or community, while the other side might believe that these murals detract and destroy. The public debate was very intense over the following mural that was placed on the side wall of Silvina’s Basket on Main...
Donner Summit Bridge: California’s historical Rainbow Bridge
The Donner Summit Bridge is a concrete arch style bridge originally designed to provide a safe passage through the Donner Pass area along Old Highway 40. Prior to this bridge, residents and visitors took the train or had to travel along the old Lincoln Highway which was a much more difficult route due to its …...
Webber Falls: Sierra County’s Little Known Waterfall
Located roughly 30 minutes northwest of Truckee, sits one of the region’s most remarkable waterfalls. In fact, during peak season, Webber Falls roars along the Little Truckee River and is a must see destination for any waterfall enthusiast. Surprisingly, this impressive waterfall is one of the area’s best kept secrets to outsiders...
South Fork American River: From Iowa Canyon Waterfalls to Slab Creek Dam
Along the South Fork American River, in El Dorado County, sits the Slab Creek Dam which was built in 1967. This dammed portion of the river creates the Slab Creek Reservoir and just a little ways down from the reservoir is where the Iowa Canyon Creek flows into the American River. This creek spans roughly …...
Matthew Kilgore Cemetery: The once forgotten history of Rancho Cordova
Throughout California, there have been hundreds of cemeteries lost or forgotten. In some extreme cases, cemeteries have been paved over, buried under housing and business developments or even tossed into the sea. It’s a sad reality that some people and businesses don’t care about the state’s forefathers, regional pioneers or...
