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

Mackerman & Company Building

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

1. Mackerman & Company Building Marker

Inscription.
Constructed circa 1852. Joseph Mackerman used the building as home and brewery. Since that time the building housed a drug store, meat market and California’s oldest weekly newspaper - - - The Mountain Messenger. This fireproof building, with iron doors, three foot thick walls and a four foot thick mud and brick ceiling is a fine example of Gold Rush architecture.

Erected 1982 by Downie Chapter No. 1849, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 39° 33.628′ N, 120° 49.667′ W. Marker is in Downieville, California, in Sierra County. It is on Main Street east of Commercial Street (California Highway 49), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 309 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 (here, next to this marker); St. Charles Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Downieville Historic Riverfront District (a few steps from this marker); The Shooting of Thaddeus Purdy (a few steps

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from this marker); Josefa Segovia (a few steps from this marker); Craycroft Building (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Downieville Historic Riverfront District (within shouting distance of this marker); Downieville Museum (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Downieville.

Regarding Mackerman & Company Building. The Mountain Messenger is the oldest weekly newspaper still being published in California. Mark Twain once wrote articles for this newspaper.

Mackerman & Company Building and Marker image. Click for more information.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

2. Mackerman & Company Building and Marker

Marker is mounted on the front of the building to the right of the window. "The Mountain Messenger"
Sierra Country prospect website entry
Click for more information.

Mackerman & Company Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011

3. Mackerman & Company Building

Located to the right of the building is a small area known as Clamper Park. The E Clampus Vitus "Downieville" Plaque is seen at the entrance to the park.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 759 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 29, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.