Quartzburg, Kern County, California facts for kids

Quartzburg was a small town that used to exist in Kern County, California. It was located about 1 mile (1.6 km) north of the original town of Kernville. Today, most of the old Quartzburg site is covered by Lake Isabella, except when the water levels are very low.

The Story of Quartzburg

Quartzburg was founded in 1873. It started as a mining camp when a lot of gold was discovered nearby. People came hoping to find their fortune!

Why the Name Quartzburg?

The town was first called Rogersville. But it was soon renamed Quartzburg. This new name came from the huge amount of quartz rock found in the area. Quartz is a common mineral, and it often holds gold.

A Town of Rules

Quartzburg was known as a "temperance" town. This meant that people in the town tried to avoid alcohol. Because of this, a saloon owner named Adam Hamilton decided to move his business. He took his saloon to Kernville, which was a rival town nearby.

The Big Blue Mine

Both Quartzburg and Kernville shared a very important place: the Big Blue Mine. This mine was a big deal! It employed about 200 people, which was a lot for that time. It brought many jobs and helped the towns grow.

The Mine's End

Sadly, in 1883, the Big Blue Mine caught fire. After the fire, there wasn't much mining activity there. Eventually, all work at the mine stopped completely in 1907.

What Remains Today?

Today, most of the old Quartzburg town site is underwater, hidden by Lake Isabella. However, the town's cemetery still remains. It's a quiet reminder of the people who once lived and worked in this gold rush town.