South Yuba Canal Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Yuba Canal Office |
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The former South Yuba Canal Office in 2020
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| Location | 134 Main Street Nevada City, California, USA |
| Built | 1855 |
| Governing body | Nevada City Chamber of Commerce |
| Designated | May 16, 1970 |
| Reference no. | 832 |
The South Yuba Canal Office was once the main office for a huge system of water channels and ditches in California. It is located at 134 Main Street in Nevada City, California, USA. This building played a big part in the history of water supply during the California Gold Rush.
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What is the South Yuba Canal Office?
This building was constructed in 1855. It was first called the Potter Building. It is a two-story building made of brick. It had strong iron doors and shutters. There was also a fancy balcony railing.
The building first served as a drug store. From 1857 to 1880, it was the South Yuba Canal Office. Today, the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce uses the building. It is the oldest business building in Nevada City.
The Company That Moved Mountains
The South Yuba Canal Water Company ran from this office. It was the first company created to supply water for hydraulic mining. This was a method of mining that used powerful jets of water to wash away hillsides to find gold.
The company started in 1854. It was first called the Rock Creek, Deer Creek, and South Yuba Canal Company. This long name came from combining three smaller water companies. In 1870, the name was shortened to the South Yuba Canal Company.
This company built and ran many water channels, reservoirs, and ditches. These systems carried water to hundreds of hydraulic mines. In 1882, they built a dam at Lake Fordyce. This dam collected snowmelt and runoff. It stored water for use during the dry season. Later, the company also started providing electricity. In 1905, its properties became part of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company's hydroelectric system.
The Amazing South Yuba Canal
The company's first water ditch started working in 1850. Today, the South Yuba Canal is part of the public lands of the Tahoe National Forest. The South Yuba Canal System still delivers water. It provides water for homes and farms in Nevada City and nearby Grass Valley. The water also helps create electricity in Northern California.
The canal is about 18 mi (29 km) long. It crosses both private and National Forest lands. The canal is surrounded by conifer trees and hardwoods.
A Special Historical Building
The South Yuba Canal Office is recognized as California Historical Landmark No. 832. A special plaque on the building tells its story.
The plaque says:
- SOUTH YUBA CANAL OFFICE
- This was the main office for the largest system of water channels and ditches in California.
- The South Yuba Canal Water Company was the first to supply water for hydraulic mining.
- The first ditch was used in May 1850.
- This office was used from 1857 to 1880.
- The company's properties later became part of the huge PG&E hydroelectric system.
- It was named California Registered Historical Landmark No. 832 on May 16, 1970.
