Historical Markers and War Memorials in Auburn, California
Auburn is the county seat for Placer County
Auburn is in Placer County
Placer County(211) ► ADJACENT TO PLACER COUNTY El Dorado County(267) ► Nevada County(224) ► Sacramento County(392) ► Sutter County(10) ► Yuba County(46) ► Carson City, Nevada(53) ► Douglas County, Nevada(111) ► Washoe County, Nevada(94) ►
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This building served the people of Auburn and Placer County for more than 90 years as both a passenger and freight station.
The railroad track adjacent to this historic building is the original route location for the transcontinental railroad. . . . — — Map (db m81594) HM
On Lincoln Way at Elm Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Lincoln Way.
The Auburn depot is the fourth depot constructed (1902) on this hill. The original depot was constructed in 1865 when the Transcontinental Railroad came through Auburn. It burned down and was replaced in 1870. The second depot was sold and . . . — — Map (db m81586) HM
On Lincoln Way, 0.1 miles High Street, on the right when traveling east.
An old fashioned drugstore down to the vintage marble soda fountain, Auburn Drug Company was established in 1896 by James T. Gibson. It was first located on the upper left side of Railroad Street (now Lincoln Way), just below Freeman Hotel. It was . . . — — Map (db m67555) HM
On Lincoln Way at Elm Avenue, on the left when traveling north on Lincoln Way.
The Central Pacific Railroad reached Auburn in 1865. This site has been a blacksmithing shop since shortly thereafter. In 1890 it became known as Auburn Iron Works. Blacksmithing, one of the most valuable trades in the foothills, provided services . . . — — Map (db m67556) HM
On Court Street, 0.1 miles west of Lincoln Way, on the left when traveling west.
Rebuilt in 1860 after a fire, George Willment resumed his mercantile business on the lower floor of this new fireproof building. The second floor was added at this time which was owned and operated by the Eureka Lodge #16 F&AM. In 1871, Willment . . . — — Map (db m67551) HM
On Almond Street north of Lincoln Way, on the right when traveling south.
Constructed in 1908-09 with a grant from the Andrew Carnegie Corporation. Building designed in the Greek Revival style of architecture by A.D. Fellows. Formally dedicated May 26, 1909, it housed the City Library for 59 years. Auburn City offices . . . — — Map (db m31835) HM
So named because of its location on the Bloomer Ranch, it remains virtually unchanged since its original construction in 1864. The overwhelming task of construction was undertaken by the diligent, hard working efforts of a small band of Chinese . . . — — Map (db m93971) HM
On Sacramento Street south of Lincoln Way, on the right when traveling south.
Built in 1855 by Gordon. Early tenants included Gellespy & Co. Clothing and J. Harwood & Co. Tin and Hardware. Hop Sing operated a Chinese laundry here circa 1894 until his death in 1944. Purchased in 1897 by Henry Bosse, left to his daughters . . . — — Map (db m43699) HM
On Lincoln Way east of Sacramento Street, on the left when traveling east.
This Colonial Revival home was originally constructed by Charles L. Simons. Simons came to Auburn in 1850 to try his hand at gold mining, but eventually became the owner of a saloon in town. The home was sold in 1901 to Fred Brye, a well-known local . . . — — Map (db m81602) HM
At the onset of World War II the U.S. Army's Western Defense Command and Fourth Army sought to secure the strategically important railroad through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. On December 9th 1941, soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Division arrived here . . . — — Map (db m101363) HM
On Lincoln Way (State Highway 49) near High Street, on the right when traveling north.
Central Square:
After the Central Pacific Railroad built a Train Depot, over a mile away and up the hill from Old Auburn, civic leaders looked for a way to connect the two areas. The city planners took a map and located a halfway point . . . — — Map (db m52312) HM
On Lincoln Way at Park Street, on the right when traveling east on Lincoln Way.
Gold discovered near here by Claude Chana May 16, 1848. Area first known as "North Fork" or "Wood's Dry Diggings". Settlement given name of Auburn in Fall of 1849. Soon became important mining town, trading post and stage terminal. County seat of . . . — — Map (db m685) HM
On Washington Street at Park Street, on the right on Washington Street.
Adventurer and first fruit rancher in Placer County. In 1848 he found gold in the Auburn Ravine, which led to the settlement of a mining camp that later became Auburn.
Lord Sholto Douglas Ch. 3
E Clampus Vitus
1975. — — Map (db m686) HM
On Maple Street at Commercial Street, on the left when traveling west on Maple Street.
This building first constructed in 1852, opened on September 22, 1855 as the first Placer County Hospital. In 1890 the building was badly damaged by fire. At the time, the upstairs was the residence and gallery of photographer J.M. Jacobs and the . . . — — Map (db m93966) HM
On Lincoln Way, 0.1 miles south of The Golden Chain Highway (California Highway 49), on the right when traveling north.
After an eleven-month delay due to political opposition and lack of money, Central Pacific tracks reached Auburn May 13, 1865, and regular service began. Government loans became available when the railroad completed its first 40 miles, four miles . . . — — Map (db m54837) HM
On Lincoln Way at Harrison Avenue, on the left when traveling north on Lincoln Way.
George Allen & Joseph Sandhorfer operated East Auburn’s first carriage, wagon, & harness shop in this building in 1896.
Other building occupants over the years
include:
Burt & Locher General Merchandising
A.F. Ford & Co., Grocers
Ford . . . — — Map (db m81603) HM
On Commercial Street at Court Street on Commercial Street.
Historical Landmark
Site G. Willment General Store
Second floor was Mason Lodge
Built 1852 – Burned 1855
Rebuilt & Dedicated Dec.,27, 1860
— — Map (db m44075) HM
On Lincoln Way west of Sacramento Street, on the left when traveling east.
In 1892, Robert Wise opened a small cigar shop and factory on this site. Shortly there after, Mr. Wise took a business partner, Ernest Burns.
During peak times, the small factory was capable of producing as many as one thousand cigars a day. At . . . — — Map (db m114515) HM
On Sacramento Street near Auburn Folsom Road, on the right when traveling south.
In honor of Henry Gietzen,
Member of the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department since September 12, 1922;
Fire Chief from 1946 to present.
Dedicated in July 1974.
William Chaix, Trustee; Egar E. Ganow, Trustee; Henry Gietzen, Fire Chief; J. A. . . . — — Map (db m687) HM
Near Auburn-Folsom Road, 0.1 miles south of Lincoln Way.
The Gold Bug stamp mill was built in the 1880s in the Tahoe National Forest. The Gold Bug Mine, one of many smaller hardrock mines located throughout the Mother Lode, was established to protect the ownership of the main quartz vein of the Eagle Bird . . . — — Map (db m94180) HM
Near Lincoln Way east of College Way, on the right when traveling east.
[Kiosk Side A:]
Gold Discovered Just Downstream in Auburn Ravine!
On May 16, 1848, just downstream in Old Town Auburn where North Rich Ravine meets Auburn Ravine, gold was discovered by a Frenchman named Claude Chana. After leaving . . . — — Map (db m52355) HM
On Lincoln Way at Commercial Street, on the right when traveling east on Lincoln Way.
Erected in 1891 by the volunteer firemen of Auburn Hook and Ladder Company No.2 with funds raised by public subscription. Dedicated May 21, 1892. In continuous use until 1954 — — Map (db m11920) HM
As an infant in 1805, he accompanied his parents Toussaint Charbonneau and Sacagawea, as they guided the Lewis & Clark Expedition. He lived along the American River Canyon, at Murderer’s, Buckner’s, Rattlesnake & Manhattan Bars between 1848 and . . . — — Map (db m44067) HM
On Commercial Street at Court Street on Commercial Street.
Historical Landmark
Lawyer’s Row – built 1855 by Anderson & Mills – Many lawyers here through the years
Stars & Stripes paper pub. here 1867 to 1880’s by Hart Fellows
Community Project — — Map (db m44065) HM
When the mines closed in Gold Run, a local entrepreneur named Paul Webber moved his business to Auburn. He began with the purchase of this Lincoln Avenue building. Two saloons and three dry goods stores were the first to open.
Years later, . . . — — Map (db m124537) HM
On Ophir Road near Werner Road, on the right when traveling west.
This monument was erected in recognition of the historical significance of this transportation corridor by the Placer County Water Agency and dedicated to the California Chapter of the Lincoln Highway Association. Ophir Road was formerly U.S. 40 . . . — — Map (db m129960) HM
The location of Camp Flint was on the hill just above this site now know as the "Auburn Dam Overlook". The site housed barracks for officers, enlisted men, and P.O.Ws. These Personnel were supported by a kitchen, mess hall, parade grounds, and a . . . — — Map (db m101364) HM
The quartz rock on site here at the Auburn depot came from “The Marquerite (sic) Mine” of Auburn Donated by Don Robinson Don Robinson Sand & Gravel — — Map (db m81625) HM
On Old Foresthill Road east of Golden Chain Highway (California Highway 49), on the right when traveling east.
The Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge, also known a "No Hands Bridge", was completed on March 23, 1912. At the time of its construction the span bore the distinction of being one of the largest reinforced concrete railroad bridges in the United . . . — — Map (db m67664) HM
On Old Foresthill Road east of Golden Chain Highway (California Highway 49), on the right when traveling east.
In 1910, the Mountain Quarries Company contracted for the construction of a railroad bridge over the North Fork of the American River to haul limestone from their upstream quarry. The bridge and 17 wooden trestles were part of Mountain Quarries . . . — — Map (db m67659) HM
On Lincoln Way west of Grass Valley Highway (California Highway 49/193), on the right when traveling west.
Instituted in 1852, the first Odd Fellows Lodge organized in Placer County, seventh in California. Meetings were held in several different locations until this building was erected in 1894. Bricks used in construction were made and fired on this . . . — — Map (db m31842) HM
On Commercial Street at Court Street on Commercial Street.
Occupied by Eureka Lodge No. 16 F.A.M.
Much of the material and furnishings came to Auburn via Cape Horn S.A.
This plaque is dedicated to the Pioneers of Auburn by Auburn Parlor No. 232 Native Daughters of the Golden West
June 11, 1933 — — Map (db m44071) HM
On Lake Arthur Road, 0.1 miles south of Placer Hills Road, on the right when traveling south.
In 1889 Walter Gaffett set up a powder factory which was part of the Giant Powder Company from the Bay Area. It's reported that 22 people died from explosions by 1917 when the factory was dismantled. This building originally was the company store. . . . — — Map (db m67550) HM
On Fairgate Road near Auburn/Folsom Road, on the right.
Built originally as mining exhibit hall on the 20th Agricultural District Fairgrounds, this building was constructed in the 1940s by the W.P.A. Crew from nearby Camp Flint. Placer County Historical Society secured use of a portion of the building . . . — — Map (db m101366) HM
Historical Landmark
Nearby in this area 1850’s Placer Press paper 1855 to 1858
Above the pioneer livery stable
Temple Saloon & Post-Office 1853 — — Map (db m44088) HM
This caboose built by Southern Pacific in 1978 was purchased from Jim Dobbas, Inc. of Newcastle and moved to the Auburn depot site Nov. 12, 1990
Purchase of the caboose was made possible by a grant from Bank of America Foundation
Grant was . . . — — Map (db m81600) HM
Auburn’s original joss house (dedicated February 1909) was located directly across Sacramento Street. After the August 25, 1921 fire that destroyed most of Chinatown, a building was erected here that later became home to the Ling Ying Association. . . . — — Map (db m43696) HM
On Lincoln Way (California Route 49/193) east of High Street, on the right when traveling east.
The Auburn Masonic Hall was completed in 1917. Since completion it has been home to Eureka Lodge No.16, F. & A. M. The building is clad in beautiful terra cotta manufactured by the Placer County firm of Gladdin McBean. It is the last remaining . . . — — Map (db m31811) HM
Dr. Kenneth H. Fox crafted this statue from 1 mile of reinforced steel rebar and 35 cubic yards of concrete. The “Chinese Coolie” stands 22 feet high, is 33 feet long and weighs 70 tons.
This giant statue relocated to this historic . . . — — Map (db m81597) HM
Near High Street east of College Way, on the left when traveling east.
Kiosk Side A:
Creating Jobs and Building Community
It started as an ”unsightly maze and tangle of briars, brush and junk”… It became ”one of the finest open air amphitheaters in northern . . . — — Map (db m52855) HM
Near Lincoln Way at Auburn Ravine/Foresthill Road.
An early hotel and stage station located on this site marked the junction of roads from Auburn to Foresthill and Illinoistown. In 1854, the home of “The Auburn Poetess,” Mary Eulalie Shannon, reputed to be California’s first woman poet. . . . — — Map (db m81604) HM
On Sacramento Street at Lincoln Way on Sacramento Street.
Katsuichi and Tomo Tsuda of Hiroshima, Japan established the K. Tsuda General Merchandise in 1918. That original store was located at 135 Sacramento Street, about one block east of this location. The business continued to operate at that site until . . . — — Map (db m55649) HM
This property served as the Old Auburn Cemetery, established in the 1850's. About 1893, legislation permitted grave relocation to the Odd Fellows Cemetery, subsequently making possible creation of Sierra Park on these grounds. Agreement was reached . . . — — Map (db m81799) WM
Following the example of Gordy Ainsleigh in 1974, each year runners from around the world meet the challenge of completing on foot the rugged 100-mile distance of the historic Western States Trail from Squaw Valley to this stadium. Placer Union High . . . — — Map (db m95777) HM
On Ophir Road near Werner Road, on the right when traveling south.
History
At one time canals laced the Sierra foothills and the mountains above. Many still exist as do the reservoirs the canals linked. Originally the canals were used to funnel water to hydraulic and pacer mining. The system was well in . . . — — Map (db m129768) HM
