Browns Valley, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Browns Valley
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 Browns Valley
Location in California
Browns Valley
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Yuba County |
| Elevation | 269 ft (82 m) |
| ZIP code |
95918
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| Area code(s) | 530 |
Browns Valley is a small, unincorporated community in Yuba County, California. This means it's a recognized place but doesn't have its own city government. Browns Valley is located about 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Marysville. It is also very close to Collins Lake.
History of Browns Valley
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Before Browns Valley was settled, the land was home to Native American groups. These included the Concow Maidu and the Nisenan people.
Gold Rush Days
In the fall of 1849, people found gold near Browns Valley. Gold was discovered in a place called Long Bar and along the Yuba River. The community of Browns Valley was named after a settler who found gold there in 1850.
In the early days, miners used many ways to get gold. One method was hydraulic mining, which used powerful water jets. Miners had to watch their claims carefully because many people wanted to find gold. If the gold ran out, miners would sometimes look for quartz. Quartz is a mineral that can sometimes have gold inside it.
Immigrants and Mining
Many people came to Browns Valley to work in the mines. Chinese and Irish immigrants were among those who arrived. They worked hard, not just in the mines, but also building rock walls in the area.
African American men also started mining operations in Browns Valley. One famous mine was the Sweet Vengeance Mine, founded by six African American men. Other mines included the Rare Ripe Gold and Silver Mining Company and the Horncut Mine. In 1868, the Rare Ripe Gold and Silver Mining Company became an official company. It even had an office in Marysville.
Changes in the Land
By 1863, there were disagreements over the land in Browns Valley. Miners, ranchers, and Native Americans all had different claims. Sadly, Native Americans were forced to move from this area. They were relocated to a reservation in Mendocino County. A post office was officially opened in Browns Valley in 1864.
