HISTORY , MUSEUMS , HISTORY LIBRARIES
Museums
History Libraries
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
Also visit
HISTORY , MUSEUMS , HISTORY LIBRARIES
NEVADA CITY
H I S T O R I C S I T E S
LOCATED ON DEER CREEK , what is now Nevada City was founded in 1849 and immediately became a successful mining camp . Men commonly pulled a pound of gold a day from the creek , and thousands grew rich in 1850 with the discovery of gold at a site northeast of town .
The camp quickly grew and miners had plenty of money to spend . Saloons and gambling establishments lined the streets , but gradually the wildness subsided . Families arrived and neighborhoods were established .
After several names had been used and discarded , the town chose Nevada , Spanish for snow . “ City ” was added later when the state to the east chose ( some say stole ) Nevada . An underground or hardrock mining industry was established . The mines were not as large or numerous as those in Grass Valley , however they were successful and contributed to the town ’ s economic strength . Like its neighbor , Nevada City also saw its share of devastating fires . Today , the town contains many buildings constructed after the 1863 fire gutted the business district . Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
Museums
FIREHOUSE NO . 1 MUSEUM : 214 Main St . Built in 1861 , has Nisenan Indian cultural items and photos , Chinese exhibit featuring alters from two temples , Donner Party relics and extensive collection of Victorian items . Has been named a Haunted House of California . Open May 1 – October 31 , Tuesday – Sunday , 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm . ( 530 ) 265-3937 ; nevadacountyhistory . org
MINERS FOUNDRY CULTURAL CENTER : 325 Spring St . Historic building with interpretive displays covering manufacturing of mining machinery including the famous Pelton Wheel . Open Tuesday – Friday , 9:00 am – 4:00 pm . ( 530 ) 265-5040
History Libraries
Firehouse # 1 Museum
SEARLS HISTORICAL LIBRARY : History Center , 161 Nevada City Hwy ., corner of Ridge Rd . Historic books , manuscripts , research material , immigration and naturalization records , assessor records , over 22,000 catalogued photographs and Chinese research collection . Open Monday – Saturday , 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm . ( 530 ) 265-5910
DORIS FOLEY LIBRARY FOR HISTORICAL RESEARCH : 211 North Pine . Located in a Carnegie Library building completed in 1907 . Resources dating from early 1850s include genealogy information and newspapers . Open Wednesday – Saturday , 10:00 am – 4:00 pm . ( 530 ) 265-4606 ; mynevadacounty . com / library
PHOTOS BY ANDREW WRIGHT / LIGHTHAWKPHOTO / FIREHOUSE MUSEUM PHOTO BY WAYDE CARROLL
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
Narrow Gauge Railroad began operating in 1875 to link the area with the transcontinental railroad in Colfax . Museum contains collection of aviation and railroad artifacts , photos and documents . Docent-led tours of museum , railyard and restoration shop . Location : 5 Kidder Ct . Open May 1 – October 31 , Friday – Tuesday , 10:00 am – 4:00 pm . Winter hours November 1 – April 30 , Saturday & Sunday , 10:00 am – 4:00 pm . ( 530 ) 470-0902 ; NCNGRRMuseum . org HISTORIC RAILBUS RIDES : Passengers may board at the Museum or Northern Queen Inn ( Railroad Avenue ) for 35 minute round-trip . Saturdays through October , schedule on website . CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM : December 2 , 10:00 am – 3:00 pm . Santa , refreshments , door prizes for children .
Also visit
Must Do !
HISTORIC CHINESE CEMETERY : 9 Kidder Ct ., Inn Town Campground . Dates back to late 19th century , has several important artifacts . Cemetery Walk : Summer , 10:00 am – 5:00 pm . Check in at office for visitor pass . Note : campground facilities for campers only . ( 530 ) 265-9900
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