Tag: History and Mystery
The Spirit of Sacramento: an abandoned riverboat with a fascinating tale
Sitting along the Garden Highway is an incredible roadside attraction with a fascinating tale. This giant paddlewheel boat (the Spirit of Sacramento) was originally created as a snagboat, but went on to star in a Hollywood film, was owned by John Wayne and eventually provided hundreds of cruises up and down the Delta River. At …...
The Ryde Hotel: a Delta landmark rooted in history, mystery and controversy
California’s Delta region has many wonderful remnants of an era that has long passed. One such remnant is the Ryde Hotel. Built in 1926-27, this hotel was once home to celebrities, politicians and the center of scandals during the Prohibition era. Hidden tunnels are said to have been under the hotel leading from the speakeasy...
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 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 …...
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 Bullion Bend Robbery: El Dorado County’s infamous stagecoach robbery
From 1856 to 1913, there were roughly 460 reported stage coach robberies in California. Perhaps, none more memorable or significant than The Bullion Bend Robbery. This legendary crime was the result of the Civil War spilling over into California which led to a shootout, the killing of a sheriff, a statewide manhunt and one of …...
The Old Webster Schoolhouse: Alpine County’s historic and charming schoolhouse
The Old Webster Schoolhouse is a carefully restored and preserved late-19th century schoolhouse that served Alpine County from 1882 to 1928. This near-700 square foot structure was built on a hilltop, overlooking the small rural town of Markleeville and the surrounding beautiful Sierra landscape. It’s a picturesque location that...
The Gable Mansion: Woodland’s historic home is a symbol of perseverance
The Gable Mansion, located in Woodland, was built in 1885 and is a classic example of 19th century Victorian Italianate architecture. The mansion’s romantic exterior and remarkable interior will surely astound even the least enthusiastic visitor. But, the most impressive aspect about this California Historical Landmark is how it...
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 …...
Timbuctoo: a once prominent town of Yuba County’s distant past
Californian’s don’t have to journey to Africa or trek off to a remote location in the middle of nowhere to discover Timbuctoo. Just a 30 minute drive down Highway 20 from either Marysville or Grass Valley will lead visitors to the location of a town that once rivaled its African counterpart in tales...
