Columbia

Columbia, the "Gem of the Southern Mines", was established by a small group of prospectors when they struck gold in the area in March 1850 (extracting thirty pounds of gold in two days). The opulence of the diggings and the apparent ease of extraction started one of the biggest stampedes in the gold rush. One month after the originally gold discovery, the population of Columbia was 5,000.

Initially named Hildreth's Diggings (after prospector Dr. Thaddeus Hildreth who made the original discovery), then American Camp, Columbia quickly acquired the trappings of a permanent town. In 1852, Columbia boasted three express offices, four banks, eight hotels, 17 stores, and 40 saloons, as well as three churches, two bookstores, a branch of the Sons of Temperance, a choir, and three theatres, including a Chinese theatre with 40 Asian actors. A fire in 1854 destroyed the wooden buildings in the business district, and they were rebuilt using brick, lending an air of permanence to the town.

By the 1860's, as gold production dwindled, the miners left Columbia for richer pastures, and by 1867, the town was nearly deserted. During it's existence as a lively mining town, Columbia produced approximately $87 million in gold, in 1860's prices.

Though forsaken by most of its former residents, Columbia was never completely abandoned. In 1934, as the town stood in a thoroughly dilapidated state, a failed attempt was made to turn it into a state park. A second succeeded, and in 1945 the California State Parks system established the Columbia State Historic Park.

Today, though rather touristy, the park makes for an interesting visit. The buildings have been restored and are in very good condition. You can even try your hand at panning gold in the stream. Worth le détour, if not le voyage. Columbia is located 5 km north of Sonora.

Main street

Wells Fargo Building, 1858

Claverie Building, 1857
(eventually became the "Old China Store" and the center of the Chinese community in Columbia)

Sign in the Chinese pharmacy