Author: Rick Rockwell
May Hollister Woolsey: Sacramento’s endearing urban legend
When searching for haunted places in Sacramento, one name constantly pops up in the results – May Woolsey. Her story is a sad, yet, endearing one. In fact, she’s become somewhat of an urban legend in Sacramento. From those claiming to see her ghost in the cemetery, to her haunting the family house and writing …...
The story behind the abandoned Colfax Hotel
Long ago, when the town of Colfax, formerly Illinoistown, was surrounded only by mountains and dirt roads, the iron horses of the Central Pacific and later Southern Pacific Railroads were blazing a trail in its very direction. In fact, Colfax became the heart of a new junction, connecting Grass Valley and Nevada City to the …...
The Cohn House: Folsom’s historical, non-haunted mansion
Located at 305 Scott Street in Folsom, California, stands a magnificent and stately mansion on the top of a hill. Known at one time as Folsom’s very own “Nob Hill,” sits three of the most beautiful historic homes in town. But, it’s the Cohn Mansion that catches everyone’s eye. Built in the 1890’s by local …...
Glen Alpine Springs Resort: Tahoe’s earliest resort, filled with history and adventure
Hidden near Fallen Leaf Lake and the Glen Alpine Trailhead, Glen Alpine Springs Resort is one of the most intriguing historic sites in the South Lake Tahoe area. What began as a mineral spring discovery in the 1860s grew into one of Tahoe’s earliest mountain resorts, tied to Nathan Gilmore, John Muir, Bernard Maybeck, and …...
Clarksburg’s mighty Cornish house and the tale of George F. Cornish
150 years ago, George F. Cornish and his wife Mary made their way to Yolo County, California, with the aspirations of a better life for them and their future family. In 1868, they built a magnificent house along the banks of the Sacramento River, near the town of Clarksburg. Over time, the Cornish house was …...
Captain Jack’s Stronghold: a cultural and historical centerpiece of California
Located in Northern California, Siskiyou and Modoc Counties, lies an amazing gathering of volcanic formations known as Lava Beds National Monument. Spread out over 46,000 acres, this land is now a historic monument and State Park. However, for many generations, this was sacred land to the Modoc tribe long before Americans ever made it to...
Donner Pass Petroglyphs: remnants of the mysterious Martis people
Prior to covered wagons, the Donner Party, the Gold Rush and the railroad, Donner Pass was home to an ancient Native American tribe referred to as the Martis Tribe (Martis People or Martis Complex). It’s believed that this tribe lived throughout Northern California and the Sierras from 2000 BC to 500 AD. As of now, …...
China Wall: Truckee’s memorial to the Chinese laborers who transformed America
Located at Donner Summit, in Truckee, CA, is a memorial dedicated to the Chinese laborers known as “China Wall.” This historical marker, and 150 year old wall, symbolize the death defying work that the Chinese performed through the harshest of conditions in the Sierras, often losing many of their own during the process. The bravery...
Donner Summit Train Tunnels: a historical journey through abandoned train tunnels
Truckee has been fondly referred to as “the most historical square mile in California.” And, perhaps, no site represents this historical significance better than Donner Summit, where the abandoned train tunnels are located. In addition to the remarkable tunnels, China Wall and Native American petroglyphs are found in the same...
Underwater Towns of California: A look at towns buried in watery graves
Many of California’s lakes and reservoirs provide endless fun for visitors along with other vital resources like irrigation, hydroelectricity, and drinking water. Yet, beneath the waters of some of these lakes and reservoirs lie remnants of towns dating back to the Gold Rush era. In fact, in a handful of lakes and reservoirs, scuba...
