Gold Rush
Tales of California’s Lost Gold Mines
The following tales of California’s lost gold mines are part legend and part historical possibility. Whether viewed skeptically or with romantic enthusiasm, these lost California treasures capture the restless spirit of the Gold Rush era: the lure of hidden wealth, the drama of sudden discovery, and the frustration of losing it again....
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...
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 …...
Nevada County’s lost and forgotten town of Cherokee
One of the many Gold Rush towns to have graced and disappeared from Nevada County was the once prosperous town of Cherokee. At its peak (1856-1865), Cherokee was a bustling town with many amenities and some of the richest diggings on the San Juan Ridge. Sadly, all that remains of this Gold Rush town is …...
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 Murderous Tale of Tragedy Spring and the Mormon Emigrant Trail
In the spring of 1848, the decision to return home to Salt Lake Valley was made and roughly four dozen veterans of the Mormon Battalion informed their employer John Sutter that they would be leaving. After spending nearly a year in the employment of Sutter at his fort and at his sawmill in Coloma, where …...
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 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...
