Grass Valley in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Alpha Building

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 9, 2011

1. The Alpha Building Marker

Inscription. The Alpha Saloon and Hall occupied this site until the fire of 1855. After the fire, another wood frame building was erected and a store and barbershop occupied it until the fire of 1862 which destroyed the new building. Using rock from the local mines, B.F. Woodward erected the fieldstone and brick building that is here today. From 1862 until the turn of the century, the upstairs of the building housed a variety of saloons with names like the Snug Harbor and the Military Saloon. The street level floor was a livery stable. In 1908, the building was occupied by the Alpha Hardware Co. and it was here until the store closed in 1980.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.

Location. 39° 13.151′ N, 121° 3.787′ W. Marker is in Grass Valley, California, in Nevada County. It is on East Main Street near Mill Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 204 East Main Street, Grass Valley CA 95945, 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: The Holbrooke Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Holbrooke Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Williams Stationery Store

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Grass Valley Hardware (within shouting distance of this marker); Loutzenheiser Pharmacy Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Three Stamp Mill from the Red Ledge Mine (about 300 feet away); Washington Brewery (about 400 feet away); The Old Post Office (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grass Valley.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 9, 2011

2. The Alpha Building Marker

The marker is mounted on the wall to the right of the entrance door.

The Alpha Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 9, 2011

3. The Alpha Building

Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,135 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 13, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.