Gold Country
Bullion Bend Robbery: El Dorado County’s Infamous Stagecoach Robbery
The Bullion Bend Robbery was one of the most dramatic crimes in Gold Country history. On June 30, 1864, armed men stopped two Pioneer Stage Line coaches on the Placerville-Carson route near present-day Pollock Pines and made off with bullion and treasure. What makes the story especially memorable is that this was not just another...
Yankee Jims Bridge: A Walk Through Placer County History
At first glance, Yankee Jims Bridge looks like a quiet backcountry crossing suspended above the North Fork American River. But this narrow bridge in Placer County stands on a route with roots deep in California’s Gold Rush era, when the nearby mining camp of Yankee Jim’s helped turn the surrounding canyon into an important...
Timbuctoo, CA: a once prominent town of Yuba County’s distant past
Timbuctoo, California was once a booming Gold Rush town in Yuba County—home to thousands of miners chasing fortune. Today, it’s a quiet, nearly forgotten California ghost town. Here’s what remains, its fascinating history, and how you can visit. Timbuctoo, California Quick Facts Location: Yuba County, CA Founded: 1855 Known for:...
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...
Forest City: Sierra County’s authentic Gold Rush ghost town
Forest City, appropriately named because of its location in the Tahoe National Forest, was settled in the summer of 1852 when miners discovered gold at the forks of the Oregon Creek in Sierra County. Within a few short years, the town grew to over 1,000 residents and at least 30 commercial businesses. However, like other …...
The Maiden’s Grave: A story of hope, loss and mistaken graves
Located on Highway 88 a few miles west of Silver Lake and Tragedy Spring, is a grave that symbolizes “broken dreams and hope” and a story that draws thousands of visitors to this location every year. This final resting place has become a monument known as the Maiden’s Grave, but there’s a catch, this is …...
The historic Forest City schoolhouse in Sierra County
Located at an elevation of 4,500 feet, in the foothills of the Tahoe National Forest, Forest City is Sierra County’s cherished ghost town. Founded in 1852, when miners discovered gold at Oregon Creek, Forest City seemingly grew overnight. Within two years, the town had over 1,000 residents and dozens of businesses. Unfortunately, as...
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 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 …...
The Historic Oleta Schoolhouse of Fiddletown
In 1849, a group of men from Missouri established the uniquely named Fiddletown as they prospected for gold in Amador County. Within a few years, the town grew from a few tents and wagons to over 100 homes and businesses. It was also around this time that the first schoolhouse was constructed on a southern …...
