Columbia in Tuolumne County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
A Cosmopolitan Society
With a Dash of Gold!
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 3, 2012
1. A Cosmopolitan Society Marker
Three women from Chile, Margarita Martinez, Josefa Royas, and Margarita Musco worked together to buy real estate. Eventually, each became a property owner – not easy for women in those days!
Columbia was a boomtown.
The discovery of gold in 1850 attracted thousands of miners here. As more people arrived, the demand for goods, services and entertainment soared.
In the gold rush, Columbia stores and other businesses thrived. The town served people from South America, Central America, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and Australia. They brought to Columbia their energies and skills, as well as their cultural traditions.
The north side of town became a bustling melting pot of activities that included Chinese herb shops, dry goods stores, theaters, bakeries and saloons. Each added a cosmpolitan [sic] quality of life in the “Gem of the Southern Mines.”
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Hispanic Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 38° 2.181′ N, 120° 23.985′ W. Marker is in Columbia, California, in Tuolumne County. Marker is on Columbia Street, on the right when traveling south. This marker is located within Columbia State Historic Park between Jackson and Pacific
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Claverie Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Burns Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); Bixel Brewery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Prosper Rocher Brewery (about 300 feet away); A Bountiful Place to Live (about 300 feet away); Water, Precious as Gold (about 500 feet away); Wilson/McConnell House (about 500 feet away); James Wood Coffroth (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 3, 2012
2. A Cosmopolitan Society Marker
The Claverie Building is in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 660 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
