Historical Markers in
Sierra County, California

A Choice Location Alleghany Arrastra Bald Mountain Mine Bovee Building Busch & Heringlake Building Cannon Point - California Volunteers Memorial Cornish Ranch House Craycroft Building Crossing the Summit - Weather or Not Downieville Downieville Downieville Brewery Downieville Cemetery Downieville Foundry Downieville Museum Downieville Veterans Memorial First Catholic Church First Protestant Church Food for the Mines Forest City Forest City Brewery Forest City Dance Hall Goodyears Bar Goodyears Bar Schoolhouse Henness Pass Road Henness Pass Road - Downieville Henness Pass Road - Plum Valley Henness Pass Road - To Ridge Junction Henness – Zumwalt Pass Here Today – Gone Tomorrow Hirshfeldter Building In Memory of Juanita Loyalton Mackerman & Company Building Major William Downie Cabin Site Masonic Building Memorial Miner’s Hotel Mountain House Mountain Howitzers Plum Valley House Site Rite Here Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows Sierra County, California Sierra Valley History Site of Howard Ranch and Inn 1865 St. Charles Hotel Stamp Mill The Shooting of Thaddeus Purdy The Sixteen to One Mine The St. Charles Hotel Truckee Trail - Rocky Ravine Webber Lake Hotel Welcome to Kyburz Flat
The state's name is derived from a novel called "Las Sergas de Esplandián," which was published in 1510. The book, written by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo, tells the story of a mythical island called California that is ruled by Queen Calafia and is said to be filled with gold and precious stones.
California random facts
Sierra County, located in Northern California, has a rich history that dates back to the indigenous tribes who first inhabited the region. The area was originally home to the Maidu and Washoe tribes, who lived off the land and thrived in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains.

The arrival of European settlers began in the mid-19th century with the California Gold Rush. In 1852, gold was discovered in what is now Sierra County, leading to a massive influx of prospectors hoping to strike it rich. The mining industry quickly developed, and towns such as Downieville and Sierra City sprang up, becoming bustling centers of activity.

During the mid-1800s, Sierra County played a significant role in California's mining boom. The area produced vast quantities of gold, attracting miners from all over the state and beyond. The county's population reached its peak in the 1860s, with thousands of miners working the mines and merchants capitalizing on the economic opportunities.

As the Gold Rush eventually waned, Sierra County faced economic challenges. However, the region's natural beauty and recreational opportunities began to draw visitors, leading to the growth of tourism and outdoor recreation industries. Today, the county is known for its stunning landscapes, including the iconic Sierra Buttes and the Yuba River, which attract visitors seeking outdoor adventures such as hiking, fishing, and water sports.

Throughout its history, Sierra County has experienced the highs and lows of the California Gold Rush, the subsequent decline of mining, and its revitalization as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It remains not only a place of natural beauty but also a testament to the perseverance and adaptability of its residents.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Sierra County, California.

  • 1833: John A. Sutter establishes a trading post in the area that will later become Sierra County.
  • 1849: Gold is discovered in the Yuba River, leading to a gold rush in the region.
  • 1851: Sierra County is officially established as a county in California.
  • 1852: Downieville, the county seat, is founded and becomes a center of mining activity.
  • 1863: The largest gold nugget in the county, known as the "Monumental Nugget," is discovered in Sierra City.
  • 1933: The construction of the Oroville Dam begins, impacting the Yuba River and the surrounding areas, including Sierra County.
  • 1960s: The decline of mining in the county leads to an economic shift towards tourism and recreational activities.
  • 1984: The Tahoe National Forest, which covers a significant portion of Sierra County, is designated as a National Forest.
  • 2008: The historic town of Sierra City is named a California Historical Landmark.