National Register Listing

Auburn Masonic Temple

a.k.a. Masonic Hall

948 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

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.

architecture social history
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.
California random facts
Placer County, located in Northern California, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The earliest inhabitants were the Nisenan Native American tribe, who thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 1840s, the area attracted gold seekers during the California Gold Rush, which led to the significant development and transformation of the county.

The discovery of gold in Placer County in 1848 sparked a massive influx of fortune seekers from around the world. Thousands of miners poured into the region, establishing camps and settlements along the rivers and creeks. The town of Auburn, founded in 1848, served as the county seat and quickly became a bustling mining hub. Placer County produced large quantities of gold, contributing to the wealth and economic growth of the area.

As the gold rush subsided, Placer County experienced a shift towards agriculture and logging. Farmers and ranchers settled in the fertile valleys, cultivating crops such as fruit, vegetables, and grains. The timber industry also played a significant role in the county's economy, with vast forests providing valuable resources for construction and development.

Over the years, Placer County adapted and diversified its economy. The completion of the transcontinental railroad in the 1860s brought increased connectivity and transportation options to the area. The tourism industry began to flourish in the 20th century, with visitors drawn to the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Today, Placer County is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant communities that blend a rich history with modern amenities.

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

  • 1848: Gold is discovered in the American River, leading to the California Gold Rush.
  • 1851: Placer County is established on April 25, 1851, becoming one of the original 27 counties of California.
  • 1852: Auburn is designated as the county seat of Placer County.
  • 1864: The Central Pacific Railroad reaches Auburn, providing access to transportation and stimulating economic growth.
  • 1932: The Auburn Dam is proposed, but delays and controversies surrounding its construction persist for decades.
  • 1960s: Suburbanization and population growth accelerate as Placer County becomes an attractive residential area for those working in Sacramento.
  • 1994: The Auburn-Foresthill Bridge, spanning the North Fork American River Canyon, is completed, becoming the highest bridge in California.
  • 2008: The state government designates a portion of Placer County as the Placer County Wine Region, recognizing its growing viticulture industry.