Wilsonville, California facts for kids

Wilsonville was once a small community located in Nevada County, California. It is no longer an active town today.

What Was Wilsonville?

Wilsonville was known as a "former settlement." This means it was a place where people lived and worked, but it is not a recognized town or city anymore. Many such settlements popped up during California's exciting history.

When Was Wilsonville Established?

Wilsonville was created during a special time between 1865 and 1866. This period saw a big increase in copper mining in the area. People moved there hoping to find valuable copper.

Where Was Wilsonville Located?

Wilsonville was situated southwest of another interesting place called Rough and Ready. It was also near two other settlements that were important during the mining boom: Spenceville and Hacketville. These towns were all connected by the search for copper.

Why Did Wilsonville Become a Former Settlement?

Many mining towns, like Wilsonville, grew quickly when a valuable resource was found. However, once the resource ran out or became too difficult to mine, people would often move away. This led to towns becoming "former settlements" or "ghost towns."

The Rise and Fall of Mining Towns

Mining booms were exciting times, bringing many people to new areas. Towns would be built fast, with homes, stores, and places to work. But when the mining slowed down, so did the town. This was a common pattern for many places in California during the 1800s.