History and Mystery
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...
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 …...
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 …...
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...
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 …...
Abandoned Nevada County Hospital: the historic and tragic tale of the HEW building
On the outskirts of Nevada City, sits an abandoned mental health facility with a tragic story to tell. In addition to being filled with asbestos, lead paint, mold and graffiti, this complex also contains stories of murder and haunted encounters. The HEW Building The 34,000 square foot complex has had many incarnations during its...
Fort Ross: a multicultural historic landmark along the Pacific Coast
About two hours north of San Francisco, along the coast of California, sits one of California’s Historic State Parks – Fort Ross. Given the name Krepostʹ Ross, this fort brought many firsts to Alta California, such as the first windmill, glass windows, stoves and all-wood houses. It also became a prime example of Europeans...
Alden Park: an ideal park setting with historic Military firepower
Alden Park, located on Mare Island, is quite possibly the most unique little park I have ever seen. It’s overall landscape is well maintained with a bandstand in the middle. A variety of large trees provide shaded areas for picnics and the park benches present visitors with an opportunity to sit and enjoy a pleasant …...
Mare Island Naval Cemetery: remembering the soldiers who served this country
The Mare Island Naval Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark and probably the most charming little cemetery in all of California. Positioned on a hillside in the southern region of Mare Island, this two-and-a-half acre cemetery is surrounded by a white picket fence, overlooking the Napa River. At the entrance, are a variety of roses...
