"The country here is all hill & ravine the soil red or yellow mixed with small stones & gravel - Timber mostly pine some oak & cov[ere]d with dried up weeds no grass except in some ravines" - William Edwin Chamberlain, Aug 16, 1849 — — Map (db m149137) HM
"Now that we are among the foot hills the pines have disappeared and in their place beautiful evergreen oak is scattered here and there giving the appearance of old apple orchards." - A, J. McCall, Sep 14, 1849 — — Map (db m149156) HM
Since 1952 bridges near this site have served as the gateway to western Nevada County. This 1924 span was the first concrete bridge at this site and features a Roman style single arch design, constructed in a continuous pour method.
The Colfax . . . — — Map (db m76345) HM
"[From Greenhorn Creek] we past [sic] up a steep ascent (doubled teamed) & came to the forks of the road. The right goes by the way of Yuba & left straight on by Johnsons [Ranch] We taken [sic] the left." - Augustus Ripley Burbank, Sep . . . — — Map (db m149130) HM
"Traveled six miles down Eubah then took to the left over the mountain passed a lake on our left on top of the mountain [Crystal Lake] drove ... to a valley on our left [Six Mile Valley] and encamp" - William P. Thompson, Aug 28, 1850 — — Map (db m149761) HM
First Source of Electricity for Reno and the Comstock, Built 1899
The Truckee River is an excellent source of hydroelectric power generation. There are four plants on the river, owned by the Truckee Meadows Water Authority. In the early 1900s, . . . — — Map (db m218895) HM
Established in 1872 as Bronco, this railroad wood stop became a noted ice and lumber center and was renamed in 1891. The Floriston Pulp and Paper Company built the present town after 1899 and operated one of the world's largest pulp mill through . . . — — Map (db m105206) HM
Commemorating
The
First Long Distance Telephone
In the World
Built in 1877, by the Ridge Telephone Co, it connected French Corral with French Lake 58 miles away. It was operated by the Milton Mining Co from this building which was built . . . — — Map (db m40210) HM
Born in Wurtenburg, Germany on January 2, 1828, David Binkelmann came to Grass Valley in 1853, after only a year as a new immigrant in New York. He mined for a time on Wolf Creek, then worked in a bakery. He became a renter of the business , but . . . — — Map (db m48718) HM
Of the many gold rush imigrants, the Chinese were noted for their honest, sober and industrious characteristics. Each mining camp had its Chinatown and Grass Valley was second only to San Francisco’s. Former residents Duck Egg, Georgie Bow, Ah Louie . . . — — Map (db m45126) HM
Last on duty at Fort Point on San Francisco Bay. Grass Valley Women’s Improvement Club arranged with the U.S. War Department for donation to be placed in City Square, now Dow Alexander Park. Transferred from Benicia Arsenal to here in 1911. Only . . . — — Map (db m48675) HM
The tablet commemorates the
discovery of gold-bearing quartz
by
George Knight
October 1850
The occurrence of gold-bearing quartz . . . — — Map (db m49510) HM
Edward Coleman built this house in 1866 and lived here, with his wife Luisa, until 1891. He was Pres/Supt of the Idaho Mine. Director of Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad and owned interests in the Mohawk Lumber Company. — — Map (db m49914) HM
This site at the lower end of Boston Ravine on the old main road from Grass Valley to Auburn has been the location of a public house since 1851. Charles Behrisch was the owner from 1851 to 1885. Ownership changed hands many times through the years. . . . — — Map (db m48150) HM
Through the years of prospecting hydraulic and hardrock mining this hardware business, one of California’s, has served this community… in continuous operation at this site since
1854 — — Map (db m48171) HM
Oldest Episcopal Edifice in California
First services Sunday April 23, 1854 by Rt. Rev. William I. Kip, Bishop of Calif.
This building opened for worship Aug. 1858. — — Map (db m10827) HM
California’s oldest hotel in continuous operation. Among its century-old archives are names of such notables as Presidents Grant, Harrison, Cleveland; Authors Mark Twain, Bret Harte; Boxers Corbett, Fitzsimmons, actor Gilbert Barry and highwayman . . . — — Map (db m48213) HM
In her home which occupied this site, Lola’s Social Salon 1853 – 55 attracted men of vision whose investments and technology founded Nevada County’s gold quartz mining industry. She brought culture and refinement to this rude mining camp. A . . . — — Map (db m149201) HM
Operated by pioneer druggist William Loutzenheiser (1824-1805) and son, John G. (1861-1929.) The pharmacy began here in a wooden building in 1851. The structure gave way to the present brick edifice in the fall of 1855.
William was a member of . . . — — Map (db m48360) HM
Lyman Gilmore, Jr. established the first commercial airport on this site in 1907. To him and his memory the people of this community dedicate this school as the:
Lyman Gilmore School
Grass Valley School District
Board of Trustees
Brian A. . . . — — Map (db m13289) HM
Madison Lodge #23 was established under dispensation from the Grand Lodge of California on May 4th 1852. Its permanent charter was issued on May 5th 1853. Madison Lodge held its first two meetings at the old Columbus School on the present site of . . . — — Map (db m48685) HM
Built by the Reverend Thomas J. Dalton and dedicated May 2, 1865 by Bishop Eugene O’Connell as Sacred Heart Convent and Holy Angels Orphanage. Under the Sisters of Mercy it served from 1866 to 1932 as the first orphanage of the Northern Mines. It . . . — — Map (db m12898) HM
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad ran from here 5 miles N. to Nevada City and 17 miles S. to Colfax. Built 1874-76 by John F. Kidder whose home is N.E. corner. Depot and shops were 50 yards N. Rails removed 1942. Sarah, widow of builder was first . . . — — Map (db m49500) HM
Four 28-ton standard gauge street cars ran from 100 yards north of this spot five miles to Pine and Broad Streets, Nevada City. Car barns and power plant were located mid-way at Glenbrook. Line was shut down after a winter storm, Jan. 1924, never to . . . — — Map (db m44294) HM
The North Star Powerhouse, built by A.D. Foote in 1895, was the first complete water powered compressed air transmission plant of its kind. Compressed air, generated by Pelton Water Wheels, furnished power for the entire mine operation. The 30 foot . . . — — Map (db m44348) HM
At this point the Old Overland Trail approaches the present highway. More than a hundred years ago the trail resounded to creaking wheels of pioneer wagons and the cries of hardy but footsore travelers buoyed by the realization their long trip to . . . — — Map (db m10546) HM
This building, housing
Reliance Hose Co. No. 3
Since 1891, is hereby marked
for preservation, thus honoring
The Volunteer Fire Department
of Grass Valley
March 26, 1988 100th Anniversary of
Manzanita Parlor No. 29
Native . . . — — Map (db m49554) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m48247) HM
The present bar of the hotel has been in continuous operation since 1852, when it was known as the Golden Gate Saloon. The wooden building had a back extension known as the Exchange Hotel and offered food and lodging by January 1853. The saloon was . . . — — Map (db m8544) HM
This building is known as The Old Post Office. It was built in 1914 by the United States Government as the Grass Valley Post Office. From 1914 until 1984 the Post Office functioned form mail, package and gold shipments from the many mines in the . . . — — Map (db m85701) HM
This three stamp mill was donated to the City of Grass Valley by Mrs. Stella Tracy, owner of the famous Red Ledge Mine near Washington, Nevada County, where this mill crushed tons of gold bearing ore for many years.
It is erected here in memory . . . — — Map (db m71033) HM
Union Hill School was established in March 1868 as a one-room schoolhouse on the grounds of Union Hill Mine. On June 26, 1875, an argument over a trustee election took place at the schoolhouse, resulting in a stabbing and subsequent death. Three . . . — — Map (db m105985) HM
Founded in 1858 by John Frank the brewery operated until prohibition. The ownership remains in the Frank family to the present time. — — Map (db m48672) HM
This building is known as “The Brick Store of Silvester and Salaman”, it was built in 1854 and completed it 1855 by Henry Silvester and Abraham Salaman. It is both the first and oldest original brick (and stone) building in Grass Valley and the . . . — — Map (db m48373) HM
"We are evidently approaching the plains [of Sacramento Valley]. The hills are decreasing in magnitude & every thing indicates that we have gotten through the most difficult part of the mountains." - Jacob R. Snyder, Sep 25, 1845 — — Map (db m149139) HM
"Our road led through the last of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The road was still not overly good, yet the worst was behind us. ...By afternoon we had the last woodlands behind us" - Heinrich Lienhard, Oct, 1846 — — Map (db m149138) HM
Constructed of granite blocks from the Sierras about 1882 where Simon C. Hieronimus & family brewed and served lager beer to Nevada City Queen of the Northern Mines and hydraulic mining communities. — — Map (db m40292) HM
It was at this location on the afternoon of June 5, 1880 that a fire erupted in John White’s Upholstery Shop. More than fifty buildings – including the nearby New York Hotel and most of the Chinese Quarter – were destroyed within an . . . — — Map (db m70882) HM
On this site in April 1853 Edward E. Matteson developed one of the first hydraulic mines. An operation in which gold was washed from great quantities of earth with high pressure streams of water.
The method used here became a standard of the . . . — — Map (db m891) HM
Built about 1866 by Charles Marsh, who arrived here in July, 1849, in
what would later become Nevada City. Marsh was the first county surveyor and the first county supervisor from Nevada City. He created the water distribution system which formed . . . — — Map (db m40284) HM
This stamp mill was manufactured at the Miners Foundry and Supply Co., Nevada City, California in the late 1800’s. After a circuitous journey, it has returned to its place of crushing hard rock at the English Mine and then the New Salmon Mine, owned . . . — — Map (db m12862) HM
Used to crush gold ore at the Fortuna Mine near Nevada City. Ore fed under iron 'stamps' from rear hopper. Steam, water or electric belt-driven power turned wheel which revolved cams. Donated to Nevada City by Bill Magers.
Dedicated July 4, . . . — — Map (db m37153) HM
This monitor was used at the now closed La Grange Mine near Weaverville in Trinity County and is similar in size to those used at the Malakoff to wash down the gravel hillsides.
It was obtained through a joint effort of E Clampus Vitus, . . . — — Map (db m861) HM
A camp established in this area in 1850 was called Eureka; then later, Eureka So. By 1856 it sometimes had a winter population of 1000. Rich placer mining deposits were played out by 1865, but quartz mining continued. By 1887, total gold taken from . . . — — Map (db m76722) HM
Used at You Bet-Red Dog Diggin’s east of Nevada City periodically 1880-1935 to control water flow from Chalk Bluff Reservoir to the mine. Hydraulic nozzle mounted opposite was operated at that mine by Thomas B. Brady (1874-1964).
*****
. . . — — Map (db m40352) HM
The first hydraulic mining originated here at "American Hill Diggins" by Edward Matteson in 1853. Matteson originally used canvas hose. The canvas hose was replaced with crinoline hose in 1860.
These miners' giants, also known as water cannons, . . . — — Map (db m143893) HM
A pioneer who crossed the plains to California who died and was buried here. The Emigrant Trail followed along this ridge and through Nevada City. The marking of this lone grave perpetuates the memory of the lone graves throughout the State of . . . — — Map (db m971) HM
Major commercial building since Gold Rush. Early offices of Judges, lawyers, statesmen including U.S. Senators A.A. Sargent, Wm. Morris Stewart, Calif. Supreme Court Chief Justices Niles Searls, Lorenzo Sawyer were here. Site of dramatic hall where . . . — — Map (db m40278) HM
To commemorate that ubiquitous segment of society who have been unacknowledged; who, though obscure, made an essential contribution to the settlement of the West. — — Map (db m126628) HM
This picnic area, sponsored by Wm. Bull Meek-Wm. Morris Steward Chapter Number 10, E Clampus Vitus, is for the enjoyment of all. The redwood lumber for the tables came from Nevada City's Christmas Tree, a Sequoiadendron Giganteum and continues to . . . — — Map (db m857) HM
The year was 1850 at a location not far from here. The first Masonic Lodge meeting was held under a Charter from state of Wisconsin. Lafayette Lodge #29 was born, the years following in 1851 & 1863 a major part of which was to be known as Nevada . . . — — Map (db m40272) HM
This original brick building in continuous usage as a foundry for over 110 years. Famous Pelton Waterwheel developed and manufactured here in 1878. Ingenious double-cupped bucket designed by Lester A. Pelton of Camptonville and Nevada City. It . . . — — Map (db m12863) HM
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad was dedicated May 20, 1876 one hundred feet east of this spot.
Built by John Flint Kidder between 1874-76 it ran 22 miles from Nevada City to Colfax via Grass Valley. Rails taken up in 1942. Sara Kidder, widow . . . — — Map (db m40287) HM
Originally the Bicknell Block, stagecoach, mail, express and telegraph center in mining days.
Companies which became Pacific Gas & Electric formed here.
Site of the first whipping post in state.
Façade unchanged since 1854. — — Map (db m40334) HM
Library Association formed December 19, 1857, first library was in Kidd Knox Bldg. 228 Broad St., it was moved to Oustomah Lodge I.O.O.F. No. 16, June 3, 1874. Nevada City Trustees assumed responsibilities Oct. 1, 1902 and was moved into the . . . — — Map (db m40354) HM
"We dared not lets them browse among the trees lest, by feeding on the poison oak, it might prove...fatal to them.... We therefore sought a place of greater safety,...through a forest of pine and cedar." - John Steele, Sep 22, 1850 — — Map (db m148909) HM
"We camped in the woods and chained our oxen to a tree and fed them a little hay that we got in [Bear] Valley for the purpose; we had no water for them, but got a little for ourselves by going a mile for it." William B. Baker, Aug 31, 1852 — — Map (db m149129) HM
Nevada City, the “Queen City of the Northern Mines”, became a town of 16,000 in the early 1850’s following the discovery of gold on Deer Creek in 1849. Here is located the largest and best preserved historical downtown district in . . . — — Map (db m49875) HM
Nevada County organized out of Yuba County May 18, 1851. Wooden court house and log jail built on Broad Street 1851. The first court house on this site was erected in 1856. The building was damaged by fire in July of the same year and rebuilt. . . . — — Map (db m40311) HM
Four 28 ton standard gauge street cars ran from this spot five miles to Boston Ravine south of Grass Valley. Car barns and power plant located at Glenbrook mid-way. Line was victim of motor cars and busses. — — Map (db m40279) HM
Memorial Grove
This plot of land set aside by the City of Nevada. These trees living tributes to our war dead.
This plaque and flagpole erected by the citizens of Nevada City dedicated July 4, 1946 to the memory of our heroes who gave their . . . — — Map (db m40373) WM
Nevada Hose Co. No. 1 occupied this firehouse from May 30, 1861 to 1938. Hand pulled hose carts, horse drawn engines and motorized pumpers all rolled out of this building to save life and property. — — Map (db m40266) HM
California’s oldest existing theater building. The Nevada opened September 9, 1865. Celebrities such as Mark Twain, Jack London and Emma Nevada have appeared on its stage. Closed in 1957. The theater was later purchased through public donations and . . . — — Map (db m10828) HM
After constructing a second-story meeting hall above two existing 19th century commercial buildings, the Nevada City Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #518 dedicated its first lodge at this location on June 14, 1913. The lodge hall and . . . — — Map (db m40269) HM
Historic
Old Brick Gothic Building constructed as a congregational church in 1857. Restored by First Baptist Church.
Dedicated by Laurel Parlor No. 6
Native Daughters of the Golden West
April 13, 1987 — — Map (db m37148) HM
In continuous use PG&E Drum Power House No. 4, 1928-1987. Produced 18,000 HP at 257 RPM and enough electrical power for 16,000 households. 12 ft. diameter, weight 15 tons. Built in San Francisco by Pelton Company. A constitutional bicentennial gift . . . — — Map (db m37151) HM
The Pelton Water Wheel, first commercially manufactured here at George Allan’s Foundry & Machine Works in 1879, was a major advancement in water power utilization and greatly advanced hard-rock mining. Its unique feature was a series of paired . . . — — Map (db m12796) HM
Fire Company formed June 18, 1860 as Eureka Hose No.2 with 34 volunteers. Name changed in August of that year to ‘Pennsylvania Engine’. Construction money raised in 1859 by popular subscription and a grand ball staged by the town’s women. This . . . — — Map (db m10832) HM
Third span of Deer Creek at this location. It is a replica of the single arch steel Gault Bridge (1908-1996) which replaced the suspension bridge (1862-1903) built by Andrew S. Hallidie, who later built the San Francisco Cable Car system. — — Map (db m40275) HM
This cemetery was established in 1851 on a knoll, back of the First Methodist Church. This gave the site its name. Many noted citizens rest here. — — Map (db m11677) HM
This boulder was known to the pioneers as the Indian Medicine Stone. On its top are hollows in which the Indians lay while taking sun baths to cure their ills. One branch of the Emigrant Trail leading from Truckee Pass to the gold mines of Nevada . . . — — Map (db m37121) HM
Built in 1855 as the edifice of the Baptist Church, it was here that famed soprano Emma Nevada (Emma Wixom Palmer) made her debut at the age of three. In 1886 the church was remodeled as the residence of the E.T.R. Powell family — — Map (db m14824) HM
Built by Cotton Brothers of Oakland, this steel bridge replaced several wooden bridges washed away in floods. It is the only bridge of the half-through truss design remaining in California. Purdon Crossing was a vital link of the main road from . . . — — Map (db m45068) HM
The Nevada County Historical Society founded the Transportation Museum Division in 1983 to acquire, document, restore and preserve information and artifacts pertaining to Nevada County’s railroad and transportation history. Best known is the Nevada . . . — — Map (db m72038) HM
Historic Saint Canice Catholic Church was built and first services held during 1864 under the guidance of Father John Grifin
Plaque placed October 6, 1965 by Laurel Parlor No. 6 and Hydraulic Parlor No. 56 Native Daughters and Sons of the . . . — — Map (db m37122) HM
This building, completed December, 1872, was the law office for three generations of this family. Niles Searls, who arrived in 1851, practiced law here from 1872 to 1885. He had been elected District Attorney in 1855, then District Judge for . . . — — Map (db m40340) HM
On this spot Sheriff Douglass, a
Native Son of the Golden West, gave his
life July 26, 1896, bravely performing his
duty. Alone he tracked a highwayman to
this retreat and both fell in battle.
It is believed that Douglass was pitted
against . . . — — Map (db m175188) HM
Headquarters for the largest network of water flumes and ditches in the state. The South Yuba Canal Water Company was the first incorporated to supply water for hydraulic mining. The original ditch was in use in May, 1850, and this company office . . . — — Map (db m10836) HM
"Six tall, upright rods of iron, as large as a man's ankle, and heavily shod with a mass of iron and steel at their lower ends.." So begins Mark Twain's description of a Nevada stamp mill.
"...These rose and fell, one after the other, in a . . . — — Map (db m37120) HM
Built in 1856 on the site of the U.S. Hotel, this brick edifice has served Nevada City as the Council Chamber, Schreiber’s and since 1957 Eddie Furano’s Bank Club. Here at Schreiber’s Felix, the marvelous mysterious music box thundered Strauss . . . — — Map (db m40273) HM
The first hydraulic mining originated on American Hill near Nevada City, California in 1853. This miners (sic) giant known as The Monitor washed hillsides away under high pressure uncovering gold bearing gravel beds. This mining technique . . . — — Map (db m40364) HM
This hotel, one of the oldest in continuous operation west of the Rockies, opened for business in August, 1856. Originally known as The “Bicknell Block”. The structure consists of three common-walled buildings of simple brick . . . — — Map (db m12891) HM
Trinity Episcopal Church, founded as a parish in 1855, opened for divine service in this building on November 2, 1873. Previously on this site was “Caldwell’s Upper Store”, built in 1849 for the miners of Upper Deer Creek Dry Diggings, . . . — — Map (db m40294) HM
Exact replica of wife’s Ante-Bellum Colonial birthplace.
Only edifice of this type in California. Stewart, an early Nevada County District Attorney, joined 1859 Comstock silver rush. Led battle for statehood and became Nevada’s first U.S. . . . — — Map (db m40318) HM
History
Today people travel swiftly along I-80 to their destinations in the Sierra, many times not even staying overnight. When they do stay overnight it is most likely in hotels or rental houses.
It was not always that way. Before I-80 . . . — — Map (db m81970) HM
History
Love - Excitement - Pathos - Humor. It’s all in “The Gold Rush” which was filmed at Sugar Bowl (and Truckee).
“The Gold Rush,” written, produced, directed, and starring Charlie Chaplin was one of . . . — — Map (db m81934) HM
History
Clair Tappaan Lodge was hand-built by a hearty group of Sierra Club volunteers in 1934 as a retreat for hikers, skiers and mountain climbers. This rustic building, consisting of post and beam construction, was designed by Walter . . . — — Map (db m129660) HM
History
The first wagon trains, the first transcontinental railroad, and the first transcontinental highway crossed Donner Summit. So did the first transcontinental airway.
When airplanes were new, pilots flew by the "seat of their pants" . . . — — Map (db m130536) HM
Dedicated to the pioneers who blazed the
Overland Trail through these mountains.
Built by the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads and the California Highway Commission
1925-1926.
This tablet placed by the Historic Landmarks Committee of the . . . — — Map (db m94763) HM
History
“I don’t believe I have adequate words to describe the real beauty of Donner Pass. As we stood looking down I had a floating sensation… I lost all fear as I looked at one of the most beautiful blue lakes (Donner Lake) I have . . . — — Map (db m81894) HM
Beneath this plaque the first transcontinental railroad traversed the mighty Sierra Nevada range. The 1659 foot long summit tunnel took over 15 months of Chinese muscle and sweat to build. The Chinese painstakingly hand drilled, then blasted the . . . — — Map (db m95506) HM
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