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Free Traveling Guides » States » California » Gold Country
Nevada City
It is a common consensus that Nevada City may be the most well preserved of the Gold Rush Towns along historic Highway 49. The township is rich and alive with history and draws tourists from all over the world to experience the flavor of early California history. It was founded in 1849, shortly after the first discovery of gold in nearby Coloma, when gold was found by a prospector in Deer Creek. It wasn’t long before miners flocked to the area, sometimes taking as much as a pound of gold a day from the creek and the surrounding area. The town went from being named Deer Creek Dry Diggins to Nevada, and finally Nevada City (in order not to confuse it with the state of Nevada). Though the population surged to 10,000 in the height of the gold rush, today about twenty-five hundred people call Nevada City home.
Tourists will be especially interested in the ninety historic buildings in the downtown area, all registered with the prestigious National Register of Historic Places. There are also eighteen separate landmarks with similar registration. Shops, artistry, and a fine selection of restaurants have earned Nevada City the nickname of “Carmel of the Sierra Foothills”.
Places to visit include the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, a popular destination for tourists and railroad enthusiasts alike. The Firehouse #1 Museum is one of the most photographed buildings in all of gold country. Finally, the Miners Foundry Cultural Center hosts many events every year, celebrating the performing arts and community activities. The foundry itself dates back to 1856 and for many years supplied the area mines with metal and steel fabrication. |
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