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Columbia State Historic Park |
The park was once known as the "gem of the southern mines." Between the 1850's and the 1870's more than a half billion dollars in gold at today's value was mined in the area. For a time, Columbia was the second largest city in California. Unlike many other settlements that disappeared due to fire, vandalism and time, Columbia survived. It was never completely deserted. In 1945, the state legislature made the site a historic state park, in order to preserve a typical gold rush town, an example of one of the most colorful eras in American history.
Walk through the town's business district with preserved hotels, 2 operating, and restaurants. Try the 100-year-old stagecoach, pan for gold, tour an active gold mine, or go for a ride through the diggings. Columbia State Historic Park is 3 miles north of Sonora, off Hwy 49. Park hours are 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Call to make certain of hours for the season.
| Location | 22708 Broadway Columbia California 95310 |
| Phone | 209-532-0150 |
| Information | 209-532-0150 |
| Fax | 209-532-5064 |
