HISTORY, MUSEUMS, HISTORY LIBRARIES
Museums
History Libraries
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
Also visit
HISTORY, MUSEUMS, HISTORY LIBRARIES
NEVADA CITY
H I S T O R I C S I T E S
LOCATED ON DEER CREEK, what is now Nevada City was founded in 1849 and immediately became a successful mining camp. Men commonly pulled a pound of gold a day from the creek, and thousands grew rich in 1850 with the discovery of gold at a site northeast of town.
The camp quickly grew and miners had plenty of money to spend. Saloons and gambling establishments lined the streets, but gradually the wildness subsided. Families arrived and neighborhoods were established.
After several names had been used and discarded, the town chose Nevada, Spanish for snow.“ City” was added later when the state to the east chose( some say stole) Nevada. An underground or hardrock mining industry was established. The mines were not as large or numerous as those in Grass Valley, however they were successful and contributed to the town’ s economic strength. Like its neighbor, Nevada City also saw its share of devastating fires. Today, the town contains many buildings constructed after the 1863 fire gutted the business district. Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
Museums
FIREHOUSE NO. 1 MUSEUM: 214 Main St. Built in 1861, has Nisenan Indian cultural items and photos, Chinese exhibit featuring alters from two temples, Donner Party relics and extensive collection of Victorian items. Has been named a Haunted House of California. Open May 1 – October 31, Tuesday – Sunday, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.( 530) 265-3937; nevadacountyhistory. org
MINERS FOUNDRY CULTURAL CENTER: 325 Spring St. Historic building with interpretive displays covering manufacturing of mining machinery including the famous Pelton Wheel. Open Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.( 530) 265-5040
History Libraries
Firehouse # 1 Museum
SEARLS HISTORICAL LIBRARY: History Center, 161 Nevada City Hwy., corner of Ridge Rd. Historic books, manuscripts, research material, immigration and naturalization records, assessor records, over 22,000 catalogued photographs and Chinese research collection. Open Monday – Saturday, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.( 530) 265-5910
DORIS FOLEY LIBRARY FOR HISTORICAL RESEARCH: 211 North Pine. Located in a Carnegie Library building completed in 1907. Resources dating from early 1850s include genealogy information and newspapers. Open Wednesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.( 530) 265-4606; mynevadacounty. com / library
PHOTOS BY ANDREW WRIGHT / LIGHTHAWKPHOTO / FIREHOUSE MUSEUM PHOTO BY WAYDE CARROLL
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
Narrow Gauge Railroad began operating in 1875 to link the area with the transcontinental railroad in Colfax. Museum contains collection of aviation and railroad artifacts, photos and documents. Docent-led tours of museum, railyard and restoration shop. Location: 5 Kidder Ct. Open May 1 – October 31, Friday – Tuesday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Winter hours November 1 – April 30, Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.( 530) 470-0902; NCNGRRMuseum. org HISTORIC RAILBUS RIDES: Passengers may board at the Museum or Northern Queen Inn( Railroad Avenue) for 35 minute round-trip. Saturdays through October, schedule on website. CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM: December 2, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Santa, refreshments, door prizes for children.
Also visit
Must Do!
HISTORIC CHINESE CEMETERY: 9 Kidder Ct., Inn Town Campground. Dates back to late 19th century, has several important artifacts. Cemetery Walk: Summer, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Check in at office for visitor pass. Note: campground facilities for campers only.( 530) 265-9900
NEVADACOUNTYGOLD. com 37