During the Gold Rush
most would-be miners
lost money but people
who sold them picks,
shovels, tents and
blue jeans (Levi Strauss)
made a nice profit.
...Peter Lynch
After visiting Sardine Lake, we stopped in Downieville for lunch and to explore the tiny town, population 325. Not much was open but it was fun to read the informative plaques and take pictures. Main Street is narrow and lined with trees, wooden boardwalks and historic buildings.
Downieville is one of the most important and colorful towns of the Northern Mines. Gold deposits were discovered in 1848-1849. In the spring of 1850 the town had 15 hotels and gambling halls, 4 bakeries, 4 butcher shops and every piece of ground had been claimed. Gold was everywhere. A housewife discovered 500 dollars worth when she swept the earthen floor of her kitchen.
In 1851 it had in excess of 5,000 inhabitants. When Sierra County was established in 1852 Downieville was named County Seat. Before that, it was known as “The Forks” for its location at the confluence of the Downie River and the North Fork of the Yuba River. Downieville received 10 less votes than Sacramento in its bid to be the State Capitol of California.
From left to right:
-Downieville welcome sign
-Jersey Bridge (built in 1938)
-Downieville Volunteer Fire Dept.
(the oldest volunteer fire dept west of the Mississippi)
-Two Rivers Grill (only place to eat but good)
-Durgan Bridge 1938 (built across the North Yuba River and listed on the National Register of Historic places)
-Main Street
-Interesting structure (not sure if residence, church or business
