Unlike other gold rush towns, Downieville was able to survive long after the gold ran out. It became an important supply center for the mines and gold camps in the surrounding area and became the county seat of government for Sierra County.
Friday, February 16, 2024
Downieville, California
Downieville is a picturesque small town located on Highway 49 where the North Yuba and Downie rivers converge. Named after the miner William Downie who is credited with settling the town after discovering gold here in late 1849, Downieville quickly became one of California's most important Gold Rush towns.
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Up until the state banned sluicing there used to be guys all up and down the North Fork of the Yuba, from Indian Valley to Downieville, pulling gold out of the river. As I understand it, they all did pretty well. I assume that's true, as one guy was there every year, with his RV parked in the same wide spot for several years. Not a bad way to spend a summer.
ReplyDeleteThe 1860 photo was taken looking west, with that sidehill goat trail coming into town being the future Highway 49. The school, with the bell tower, is still in that same location. If you cross that bridge heading east you'll hit Sierra City in about 12 miles. IMHO, Sierra City is a prettier town than Downieville is.
In the 1960's the Sheriff of Sierra County hauled a ne'er do well to the south side of the middle fork, two counties away, kicked him out and told him not to come back.
His crime? He was a hippie.
When ya got hippies cutting fence, leaving gates open, messing with the cows, squatting in the fields or barns, ya catch on fast.
DeleteMy family has had a gold claim on the Yuba river a few miles from Downieville for about 25 years now. Back in the dredging days we would do pretty well. There was a car or camper in every pull out then, and the town was hoppin, as well as the bar which was full of characters. When they outlawed dredging it took a real toll on that town. You can still find gold in other ways though. I took 3 and a half ounces out 4 years back. The gold is there!
ReplyDeleteDownieville now relys on tourism and mountain bikers. Sad how the sierra club fags fucked us out of the river and hurt the little towns too.
"Satisfactory" story about Downieville. Some here will know what it means. 7-11.
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