Historical Marker

William J. Paugh House

Historical marker location:
105 Center Street, Jackson, California
( Marker is on Center Street near State Highway 88, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 2009

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California was once a part of Mexico before it became a U.S. state. Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821 and California became a Mexican territory. However, in 1846, the U.S. declared war on Mexico and after a brief conflict, California was ceded to the U.S. as a part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.
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Amador County, located in the picturesque Sierra Nevada region of California, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Miwok and Northern Yokuts, who thrived off the abundance of natural resources in the surrounding landscapes. In the 1800s, the arrival of European settlers brought significant changes to the region.

The discovery of gold in nearby Sutter's Mill in 1848 sparked the California Gold Rush, which led to a surge of settlers seeking their fortune. Amador County quickly became a hub for gold mining, attracting a diverse population of prospectors from all walks of life. The town of Amador City, established in 1853, became a vital center for commerce and trade.

As gold became harder to find in surface deposits, miners turned to hydraulic mining to extract gold from the mountainous terrain. This method caused significant environmental damage, leading to the passage of the Sawyer Decision in 1884, which prohibited hydraulic mining. With the decline of the mining industry, Amador County's economy diversified into agriculture, particularly viticulture.

Amador County is now renowned for its award-winning wineries, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. The region's Mediterranean climate and rich soils have proven ideal for growing grapes, especially the iconic Zinfandel varietal. Today, Amador County offers a unique blend of history, wine tasting, outdoor recreation, and picturesque small towns, attracting visitors from around the world.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Amador County, California.

  • 1848 - Gold is discovered in Amador County, attracting thousands of miners seeking their fortune.
  • 1854 - Amador County is officially established as a county in California.
  • 1857 - The town of Jackson, the county seat, is founded.
  • 1876 - The Lincoln Mine disaster occurs, resulting in the deaths of 42 miners.
  • 1883 - The narrow-gauge Amador Central Railroad is completed, connecting Sutter Creek to Ione.
  • 1898 - The first public high school in Amador County is opened in Jackson.
  • 1911 - An arson fire destroys much of Jackson's commercial district, leading to the reconstruction of the downtown area.
  • 1937 - The construction of the East Bay Aqueduct is completed, delivering water from the Mokelumne River to Amador County.
  • 1961 - Amador County Fairgrounds is established and hosts its first fair.
  • 1988 - The Shenandoah Valley AVA is established, recognizing Amador County as a wine-producing region.