Powningville, California facts for kids

Powningville was once a small community located in El Dorado County, California. It was situated about 3 to 4 miles (5 to 6.5 kilometers) east-northeast of a place called Pilot Hill. Even though it's not a town anymore, its history tells us a bit about early California.

What Was Powningville?

Powningville was a "settlement," which means it was a place where people lived and worked, but it might not have been as big or formally organized as a city. Many small settlements like Powningville grew up in California during the 1800s, especially during the time of the California Gold Rush. These places often appeared near mining sites or important travel routes.

Mining in the Area

Maps from that time, like one made by Amos Bowman of the Georgetown Divide area in El Dorado County, show that Powningville was connected to mining. The map specifically pointed out a tunnel owned by the Fairmount Copper Mining Company. This tunnel was located in the hill just north of the town. Mining for valuable resources like copper was a big part of California's economy back then.

A Community Disagreement

Before the year 1883, Powningville was involved in a notable disagreement. The community had a discussion with the government of Nevada state. This discussion was about the location of a proposed state prison. Sometimes, when big public buildings or projects are planned, different communities might have strong opinions about where they should be built. This shows that even small settlements like Powningville had a voice and were part of important decisions in their region.