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 Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia CA 95310, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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
this page online
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 691 times since then and 12 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.
