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Survey of Historic Sites and Buildings

	COLUMBIA California
Location: Toulumne County. Columbia State Historic Park

Ownership and Administration. Various private owners; and State of California, Division of Beaches and Parks.

Significance. The gold strike at Columbia was made comparatively late for the California Mother Lode country—in 1850. But the district proved phenomenally productive, and within a few weeks several thousand miners had taken up claims. Yet the peak did not come until after 1852, when miles of flumes and canals were built to bring water to the dry region. One aqueduct wound 60 miles through the mountains. By 1853 the town had become the third largest in California and was known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines" because it was the wealthiest and largest mining camp in the Mother Lode area. The district probably yielded a total of about $90 million in gold. In 1854 a fire destroyed much of the town, which the residents rebuilt largely of brick. About 1860 mining and population began to decline. The population finally settled at approximately 500, where it has remained over the years.

Because the major buildings were constructed of brick and have been continuously occupied and maintained, the town is one of the best preserved mining camps in the Mother Lode country. It probably has more historic and fewer modern buildings than any other mining town in California today, and provides a vivid picture of life in the land of the first and most fabulous of all gold rushes.

Present Appearance. Although Columbia contains a substantial number of private residences and businesses, it is a quiet town. Most of the historic section and the surrounding area is included within the boundaries of a State historical monument. Outside the town, rocks, pits, and hummocks indicate where the earth was washed away from the gold-bearing rock. Thirty-nine important structures—stores, saloons, churches, and residences—have survived. Some are still privately owned, and many have been restored. [6]

NHL Designation: 07/04/61