Grass Valley Public Library
207 Mill St., Grass Valley, CA Local significance of the building: Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The California Gold Rush of 1849 brought a huge influx of people to the state. In just two years, the population of San Francisco grew from 1,000 to 25,000. However, only a small percentage of gold-seekers actually struck it rich, and many ended up in debt or poverty.
About Nevada County
Nevada County Timeline
Nevada County, California, located in the Sierra Nevada region, has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. The region was inhabited by Native American tribes before the arrival of European settlers. In 1848, gold was discovered in nearby Coloma, setting off the famous California Gold Rush. As news of the gold spread, it led to a massive influx of fortune-seekers to the area, including Nevada County.
The county was officially established on April 25, 1851, carved out of parts of neighboring counties. It was named after the Sierra Nevada Mountains and became known for its abundant gold reserves. The mining industry boomed during the mid-19th century, attracting thousands of miners from all over the world. Towns such as Nevada City, Grass Valley, and Rough and Ready became important mining centers, with bustling businesses, saloons, and banks catering to the mining community.
As the gold rush declined in the late 19th century, Nevada County experienced a shift in its economic focus. The discovery of large quartz veins in the area led to the development of deep underground mines, extracting gold and other minerals. The region also became known for its timber industry, with extensive logging operations and sawmills. These industries helped sustain Nevada County's economy throughout the 20th century, even as mining declined.
Today, Nevada County is a vibrant community known for its rich history and natural beauty. The towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley still retain their historic charm, with well-preserved downtown areas and Victorian-era architecture. The county has also developed a thriving arts and cultural scene, with galleries, theaters, and annual events such as the Nevada City Film Festival and the California WorldFest.
The county was officially established on April 25, 1851, carved out of parts of neighboring counties. It was named after the Sierra Nevada Mountains and became known for its abundant gold reserves. The mining industry boomed during the mid-19th century, attracting thousands of miners from all over the world. Towns such as Nevada City, Grass Valley, and Rough and Ready became important mining centers, with bustling businesses, saloons, and banks catering to the mining community.
As the gold rush declined in the late 19th century, Nevada County experienced a shift in its economic focus. The discovery of large quartz veins in the area led to the development of deep underground mines, extracting gold and other minerals. The region also became known for its timber industry, with extensive logging operations and sawmills. These industries helped sustain Nevada County's economy throughout the 20th century, even as mining declined.
Today, Nevada County is a vibrant community known for its rich history and natural beauty. The towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley still retain their historic charm, with well-preserved downtown areas and Victorian-era architecture. The county has also developed a thriving arts and cultural scene, with galleries, theaters, and annual events such as the Nevada City Film Festival and the California WorldFest.
Nevada County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Nevada County, California.
- 1848: Gold is discovered in California, leading to the California Gold Rush and attracting miners to the area that would later become Nevada County.
- 1851: Nevada County is established as one of the original 27 counties of California.
- 1855: Grass Valley becomes the county seat of Nevada County.
- 1864: The Central Pacific Railroad, part of the First Transcontinental Railroad, is completed in Nevada County.
- 1884: The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad is established, connecting Grass Valley to Colfax.
- 1900: California produces more than 30% of the world's gold, much of it coming from Nevada County.
- 1908: The Malakoff Diggins hydraulic gold mine, located in Nevada County, becomes the largest hydraulic mine in California.
- 1933: The Empire Mine in Nevada County is the last hardrock gold mine to close in California.
- 1978: The Nevada County Fairgrounds, home to the annual Nevada County Fair, is established in Grass Valley.
- 2001: Nevada City, the county seat of Nevada County, receives the designation of being a California Historical Landmark.