Tuolumne County Jail
a.k.a. Tuolumne County Museum and Office of Tuolumne County Chamber
156 W. Bradford St., Sonora, CA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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.
The first female mayor in the U.S. was elected in California in 1887. Susanna M. Salter was elected mayor of Argonia, Kansas, but she was born in California and later moved to Kansas with her husband.
In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold in the Sierra foothills led to the famous California Gold Rush. Tuolumne County became a prominent mining area and attracted thousands of miners seeking their fortunes. Towns such as Sonora and Columbia sprung up, becoming bustling centers of trade and commerce. Numerous mines were established, extracting gold, silver, and other precious minerals from the rich veins in the mountains.
By the late 19th century, the gold rush had waned, and the economy of Tuolumne County shifted towards other industries. Timber became a significant resource, with sawmills and logging operations thriving in the region. The pristine forests provided ample timber for buildings, railroads, and other infrastructure. The timber industry remained an important part of the county's economy for decades.
Today, Tuolumne County has evolved into a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and tourism. Its stunning landscapes, including the iconic Yosemite National Park, draw visitors from around the world. Heritage sites such as Columbia State Historic Park preserve the area's mining history, allowing visitors to experience life during the gold rush era. The county's rich Native American heritage is also celebrated, with cultural events and exhibits showcasing the history and traditions of the local tribes.
Tuolumne County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Tuolumne County, California.
- 1848 - Gold is discovered in Tuolumne County, leading to the California Gold Rush
- 1850 - Tuolumne County is officially established as a county in California
- 1851 - The town of Sonora is founded
- 1852 - Tuolumne County experiences a major fire, resulting in the destruction of most of Sonora
- 1861 - Rail service begins in Tuolumne County
- 1875 - Yosemite National Park is established, including parts of Tuolumne County
- 1890 - Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is built in Tuolumne County
- 1933 - The construction of Tuolumne County's first dam, Don Pedro Dam, is completed
- 1940s-1950s - Tuolumne County experiences a decline in mining and an increase in tourism
- 1997 - The Red Cloud Mine in Jamestown reopens, bringing a resurgence in gold mining
- 2020 - Tuolumne County faces challenges related to wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic