Condemned Bar, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Condemned Bar
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Former settlement
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 Condemned Bar
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | El Dorado |
| Reference #: | 572 |
Condemned Bar was once a small community in El Dorado County, California. It was located in the lower hills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Today, this former town is completely covered by the waters of Folsom Lake. A special marker has been placed at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area to remember it. This old mining town from the exciting California Gold Rush days is now recognized as California Historical Landmark #572.
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What Was Condemned Bar?
Condemned Bar was a place where people settled during the California Gold Rush. This was a time in the mid-1800s when many people rushed to California. They hoped to find gold. Towns like Condemned Bar grew quickly near rivers and streams where gold was found.
Life as a Gold Miner
Miners at Condemned Bar would dig for gold. They often used pans or sluice boxes to separate gold from dirt and gravel. Life was tough for these miners. They worked long hours, and conditions were often difficult. Many people came from all over the world to try their luck.
Why Did It Disappear?
Like many gold rush towns, Condemned Bar did not last forever. When the gold became harder to find, people started to leave. The town slowly faded away. Much later, in the 1950s, Folsom Lake was created. This large reservoir was built to store water and control floods. The rising waters of the lake covered the old site of Condemned Bar, making it a "lost" town.
Remembering Condemned Bar
Even though Condemned Bar is underwater, its history is still important. It tells us about the California Gold Rush. The state of California has marked its location as a Historical Landmark. This helps people learn about the past. It reminds us of the brave miners who once lived and worked there.
Negro Hill: Another Lost Town
Near Condemned Bar, also at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, is another important historical site. This is California Historical Landmark #570, known as Negro Hill. It was also called Negro Flat. Like Condemned Bar, Negro Hill was a historic mining town that is now under Folsom Lake.
Who Lived at Negro Hill?
African-American miners played a big part in the early days of Negro Hill. They worked in the area from 1849 to 1852. By 1855, the town was at its busiest. About 400 people lived there, including people from many different backgrounds. The town had places like a boarding house and a church.
The End of Negro Hill
Just like Condemned Bar, Negro Hill's story ended when the gold ran out. By 1870, most people had left, and the town was gone. Today, both Condemned Bar and Negro Hill are underwater. They serve as reminders of California's rich gold rush history.
