Do You Belong in Another Era? You Are Not Alone at Columbia State Historic Park, California
When you visit California Gold Country destinations along Historic Highway 49, there’s a cast of characters (people) who never left the “hills” and another set of people who migrated to Gold Country, arriving at a place that feels like coming home in the Sierra Nevada foothills. On your first or second visit you may have trouble figuring out where you fit in. But usually it just clicks for those who belong to a time & place.
Gold rush era towns such as Columbia, Sonora, Grass Valley, Auburn, Sutter Creek, Mariposa, Angeles Camp, Plymouth, Amador City, Placerville and Jackson can confuse the modern traveler. They generally offer most amenities such as cell service and all the technological wonders you need. But then you see the old-timers dressed in 19th century attire, acting out parts of ancestors several generations back, and they authentically fit the characters they portray–like they truly belong in 1800’s!
For those seeking pure escape, California’s Gold Rush towns offer exactly what you need. Try staying at the City Hotel in Columbia State Historic Park to slow your pace. Then take in a weekly tour around town on Saturday or Sunday with authentically dressed docents as your guide.
Here are some events coming up at Columbia SHP:
- October 26, 2013 Illumination of the Jack-O’-Lanterns
- November 11, 2013, 11 a.m. Veterans Day Remembrance. In the historic cemetery at 11 am, the Columbia Foot Dragoons explain the significance of Veterans Day and how it came into being, and fire a single volley.
- November 29- December 22, 2013 Candy Cane Making. Make traditional candy canes during the holidays.
- December 7, 2013 Lamplight Tour — an 1850s walking play that wanders the streets of Columbia at night and ends with music, dance, and refreshments. Make this an annual holiday event for you and your family and learn more about the Christmastime of years past.
- December 14, 2013 A Miner’s Christmas.
Sit around a campfire drinking hot cider and watch miners roast chestnuts. Children can make favorite crafts of the 1850s.
