North Columbia, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
North Columbia
|
|
|---|---|
 North Columbia
Location in California
North Columbia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County | Nevada |
| Elevation | 3,015 ft (919 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
North Columbia was a small town in Nevada County, California. It was very important during the California Gold Rush. The town started as a camp for gold miners around 1851. It was located on the San Juan Ridge.
People first called the town Columbia, Columbia Hill, or The Hill. This was because it was close to Columbia Hill. In 1860, a Post Office opened there. To avoid confusion with another gold rush town called Columbia, California, the word "North" was added to its name. That other town was in Tuolumne County, California.
In 1878, miners found a lot of gold under the town itself. So, North Columbia was moved to a new spot. But over time, a type of mining called hydraulic mining became less common. This meant fewer miners stayed in the area. The post office eventually closed in 1931. Today, North Columbia is an unincorporated part of Nevada City, California. This means it is not a separate city but part of the larger Nevada City area.
Historic Places in North Columbia
North Columbia has some interesting historical spots. These places help us remember its past.
Columbia Hill Schoolhouse
The old Columbia Hill Schoolhouse is still standing. It is no longer a school. Instead, it has become a cultural center. Many events are held there. For example, it hosts the North Columbia Folk Festival. It also hosts the Sierra Storytelling Festival. This schoolhouse was officially recognized as a historical landmark in 1971.
Foote's Crossing Road
Foote's Crossing Road is another important historical site. It is listed as a National Historic Place. This road connects North Columbia to the town of Alleghany.
