Forest, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Forest, California
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Main Street in Forest
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 Forest, California
Location in California
Forest, California
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Sierra |
| Elevation | 4,489 ft (1,368 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1658559 |
Forest, also known as Forest City, is a small, quiet community. It is an unincorporated community located in Sierra County, California. You can find it nestled in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains.
The town site of Forest sits high up in the mountains. It is about 4,489 feet (1,368 m) above sea level.
Contents
History of Forest City
How Forest City Began
Gold was first found here in 1852. The mining camp was named Brownsville. It was named after one of the sailors who discovered the gold.
By the next year, many people had moved to Forest. The population grew to over a thousand during the exciting California Gold Rush. In 1854, the town held a vote. They decided to change the town's name to "Forest City."
Mining and Challenges
A very large mine called the Bald Mountain drift mine opened in August 1864. It was the biggest mine of its kind in California at that time.
However, Forest City faced tough times. Big fires in 1865 and 1883 caused a lot of damage. After these fires, not much of the town was rebuilt.
Forest City Today
Today, Forest is mostly a historic ghost town. This means most people have moved away. But a few people still live there all year round.
You can still see old buildings along Main Street. These include a former general store, a saloon, and a dance hall. In the hills around town, you might find a one–room schoolhouse. There are also two old cemeteries and a few homes scattered around.
People from Forest City
- Rich Brooks: He was a well-known football coach. He coached the Oregon Ducks Football and Kentucky Wildcats football teams.
- Jeanette Lawrence: She was a writer and lecturer. Jeanette was born and grew up right here in Forest.
