Downieville in Sierra County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Hirshfeldter Building

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

1. Hirshfeldter Building Marker

Inscription. This fireproof stone structure was built by E. Hirshfeldter shortly after the Downieville fire of February 19, 1852. It is an excellent example of California Gold Rush architecture. From its inception, it was used as a hardware store utilizing a frame building behind to house a tin and iron works. Around the turn of the century, the building became a grocery store, as is its function today.

Erected 1981 by Downie Chapter No. 1849, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1773.

Location. 39° 33.622′ N, 120° 49.721′ W. Marker is in Downieville, California, in Sierra County. It is on Main Street (State Highway 49) near Sunnyside Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 272 Main Street, Downieville CA 95936, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Downieville Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Henness Pass Road - Downieville (within shouting distance of this marker); Craycroft Building (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Charles Hotel

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Downieville Historic Riverfront District (within shouting distance of this marker); The Shooting of Thaddeus Purdy (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of Juanita (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Downieville Historic Riverfront District (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Downieville.

Regarding Hirshfeldter Building. This building is noted as being the first fire-proof building built in Downieville.

Hirshfeldter Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

2. Hirshfeldter Building and Marker

The building sits at the intersection of Main Street and Sunnyside Street. The marker is mounted on the building facing Main Street.

The Hirshfeldter Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

3. The Hirshfeldter Building

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 626 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 28, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.