Columbia Historic District

4 mi. NW of Sonora on CA 49, Sonora, California

Photos

Miner's Shanty

Photo taken by Richard Doody in 1992

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Map

Coordinates:
+38.03389, -120.40111
38°02'02" N, 120°24'04" W

Street View

View #1

Description

Gold was found at Columbia in 1850; by 1853, Columbia was the third largest city in the State. In 1854, a fire destroyed much of the town; fortunately, a considerable amount of brick was used in rebuilding, for a few years later a second great fire swept through. What remains of the "Gem of the Southern Mines" is the architectural showplace of the California Mother Lode. The town has been continually occupied since its founding. -- National Historic Landmark statement of significance, July 4, 1961

National Register information

Status: Posted to the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966
Reference number: 66000242
Areas of significance: Exploration/Settlement; Architecture
Level of significance: National
Evaluation criteria: A - Event; C - Design/Construction
Property type: District
Historic functions: Single dwelling; Extractive facility; Business
Current functions: Single dwelling; Business
Period of significance: 1850-1874
Significant years: 1854; 1858
Number of properties: Contributing buildings: 39

Update Log

June 28, 2018: New photos from Richard Doody
January 2, 2017: Updated by Bill Eichelberger: Mapped landmark

Sources

Bill Eichelberger - wallyum [at] hotmail [dot] com
Richard Doody
National Register database - Reference number 66000242 (Nomination form, Photos)
National Historic Landmark information