"Gold! Gold! Eureka! I found it!" It was in the Auburn Ravine, Rich Ravine and Baltimore Ravine waterways where these exuberant cries first echoed. The Chana, Woods and Stevens parties were all part of the early exploring groups in search of gold in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. May 16, 1848, was the date most remembered by Claude Chana--when he discovered gold in Auburn Ravine. Chana's lucky find was the first gold discovery in Placer County.
The area quickly developed into a robust mining and supply camp, and it became officially known as Auburn in 1849. In 1850, the population had grown to 1,500, and Auburn became the seat of Placer County in 1851. First on horseback and mule, then by wagon and stagecoach, the settlers traversed along Nevada, Sacramento, Auburn Folsom and Foresthill trails. The trails would later become commercial and residential streets, and are still in use today. The Central Railroad came to Auburn in 1865 following a heated contest with its competitors. Auburn was first incorporated in 1860 and again in 1888. The stately Placer County Courthouse was constructed in 1898 at the site of the 1853 Court House Building structure.
To start off your adventure into the gold rush, visit these locations!
The most prominent location in Auburn is the Old Auburn Courthouse. Today it is still an operating court and Placer County museum. This is a perfect way to start off your stay in Auburn.
There is no better way to relive the gold rush days than at the Bernhard museum. One step onto its grounds and you will be instantly transformed back into life in the 1800’s!
No where else can you get the experience of what it must have been like to spend your days in a dark, cold and wet mine shaft during the gold rush era. If you want to understand the challenges and hardships of the early miner, this is a can’t miss!
Old Town Auburn is steeped in gold rush history, and there is no better way to learn about it than a Placer County walking tour. Each tour is guided by a highly trained docent dressed in the garb of the day. Old and young alike will be fascinated by the stories told by the walls of these 1800;s buildings.
Visit the site where gold was discovered by Captain John Sutter himself! Sutter’s Mill is just minutes south of Auburn on Hwy. 49.
Historic Hwy. 49 is your road back into time. Taking you through California’s Gold Country, this site not only provides you the maps, butthe history along your route. Auburn sits conveniently at the junction of I-80 and Hwy. 49 and can be you starting point into history.