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Free Traveling Guides » States » California » Gold Country
Firehouse #1 Museum
Dating back to 1861, the Nevada Hose Company No.1 Firehouse is located in Nevada City and is one of the most photographed buildings in all of gold country. It served as a working firehouse from the time of its construction until its closing in 1938, and now serves to house a museum full of artifacts and exhibits from the time of the gold rush and beyond.
For nearly eighty years, the Firehouse served the community of Nevada City. It was built in 1861 as a response to the rapidly growing town in the wake of the gold rush. Many buildings were erected in wood, which of course was a fire danger. The presence of a firehouse and working fire department bettered the chances that a fire would not break free and destroy the entire town, as had happened in nearby communities. It was originally constructed with a white Greek facade, though this gave way some years later to a beautiful Victorian bell tower and a gingerbread trim, both lending to the museum’s charm and photogenic status.
In 1948, the firehouse became the property of the Nevada County Historical Society and was converted into a museum housing the story of the town’s rich history. The museum is a must see for visitors wishing to get a full picture of the gold rush time period, as well as the growth and subsequent decline of the Nevada City area.
- Telephone: (530) 265-5468
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