Neals Diggins, California facts for kids

Neals Diggins (also known as Neals Diggings) was once a busy settlement and mining camp in Butte County, California, United States. It was also called Adamstown, Adamsville, and Adams Bar later on. This historic spot was located along the Feather River, which flows through California. It was just upstream from a city called Oroville, on the opposite side of the river from another place known as Long's Bar.

What Was Neals Diggins?

Neals Diggins was a place where people lived and worked, especially during the exciting time of the California Gold Rush. A "settlement" is a small community where people build homes and start a new life. A "mining camp" was a temporary town that grew quickly when gold was discovered nearby.

Where Was This Mining Camp?

This historic mining camp was found in Butte County, a region in northern California. It was specifically located on the banks of the Feather River. This river was a very important waterway for miners. It helped them find gold and travel to new areas. The camp was just a short distance upstream from the modern-day city of Oroville.

Who Started Neals Diggins?

The first person to establish this place was Sam Neal. He was a local rancher, which means he owned and managed a large farm for raising animals. Sam Neal founded the settlement in 1848. This was a very important year in California's history.

The Gold Rush Connection

The year 1848 is famous because it marked the beginning of the California Gold Rush. This was a time when many people rushed to California. They hoped to find gold and become rich. Sam Neal's settlement was one of the many places that popped up. It helped miners who were searching for gold along the Feather River.

Why Did It Change Names?

Places often change names over time. This can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, a new owner or an important event leads to a name change. Neals Diggins also went through several name changes.

From Neals Diggins to Adamstown

Later in 1848, after Sam Neal started the camp, another person came along. His name was George Adams. George Adams re-established the settlement. He then named it after himself. This is how the camp became known as Adamstown. It was also called Adamsville and Adams Bar at different times. These names show how important George Adams was to the camp's history.