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, -120.4011138°02'02" N, 120°24'04" W
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