Middle Bar, California facts for kids

Middle Bar was once a busy mining town located along the Mokelumne River. You can find it in Amador County, California. Today, it is recognized as a special California Historical Landmark, marking its important past.

History of Middle Bar: A Gold Rush Town

Middle Bar was founded in 1850. It was started by English miners during the exciting time of the California Gold Rush. Miners came here hoping to find gold. A mine in the area was known for producing gold quartz, which is gold found within rock.

Building Bridges for Gold Seekers

In 1851, the first Middle Bar Bridge was built. It crossed the Mokelumne River. This bridge was very important because many gold seekers were coming through the area.

However, in 1852, a big flood washed the bridge away. People quickly built another bridge. They made sure this new one was much higher so it would not be washed away again. This second bridge was finished in November 1852. It cost a lot of money to build, about $25,000. This bridge stood for about ten years until another flood damaged it.

Later Years and Present Day

After the first big gold rush, Middle Bar became busy again in the 1920s. This was during a smaller mining rush.

Eventually, the homes in Middle Bar were bought by the East Bay Municipal Utility District. This company had built the Pardee Dam, which was about six miles away.

Today, a strong truss bridge crosses the Mokelumne River at the old town site. This bridge was built in 1912 by the Clinton Bridge and Iron Works. It connects the river banks in Amador County and Calaveras County, California.