<p>Mining techniques evolved over time with development of larger mining companies. These photos also show cultural diversity during the California Gold Rush. </p>

<p></p><p>The population of California grew from 14,000 to 223,000 between the years of 1848 to 1852. During the California Gold Rush, people from different cultures migrated from all over the world, all sharing the same hopes of creating better lives for themselves and their families. The rich cultural diversity we find in California today can be traced back to many families from the earliest days of the State of California, through cultural artifacts. Columbia State Historic Park has the largest collection of gold rush brick buildings in California. This collection of 1850s gold rush era brick buildings is a living museum of cultural artifacts dated back to the diverse merchant economy that once thrived in Columbia, CA. During the gold rush, Columbia became one of the fifth largest cities in California, with one hundred and fifty businesses during the peak of Columbia's success. The Chinese population in Columbia owned a variety of different businesses; such as dry goods, boarding houses, laundry services, restaurants, and more. Originally, the Chinese population was located on the Western edge of town. In the late 1850s and 1860s, the Chinese began purchasing buildings from French merchants. The town's history of destructive fires and the rise and fall of the merchant economy shaped the reduction of the architectural landscape visitors find today, at Columbia State Historic Park. Many of the brick buildings survived it all and have been restored for visitors to enjoy today. Visitors of Columbia State Historic Park may view the Chinese Store exhibit through windows that display a large collection of Chinese artifacts. This collection of photos provides a closer look at the inside of the Chinese exhibit. Fong Yue Po, from the Yee Phong Herb Company, Sacramento, CA, donated many artifacts used in this exhibit. </p>

<p>The historic gold mining town of Columbia, CA is home of the largest collection of gold rush era brick buildings, in California. The town's fire history shaped the unique architectural design of this historically significant collection of buildings. Columbia started as a mining camp built of wood and canvas. These flammable structures did not survive the fire of 1854. The Columbia Volunteer Fire Department Engine Company No. 1 was formed by miners, in the 1850s. In the early 1850s fire was fought using primitive techniques; such as: bucket brigades, human chains, and hook and ladder methods. To prevent fire from spreading, brick buildings with iron doors were constructed, in the mid 1850s . In 1857, another devastating fire stuck the town of Columbia, which destroyed 30% of the town. By the late 1850s, Columbia purchased two hand pumpers to combat town fires. Tuolumne Engine Company Number 1 was the first engine company in the county, with John Haskell, as Foreman. Joining this company was in high demand and a waiting list was created to manage new members. Columbia Engine Company Number 2 formed, due to the notion that foreigners were being excluded. Inevitably the companies became rivals. </p><p>  </p>

<p>James Marshall's famous discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in Colma forever changed the landscape, economy and culture of California due to the mass migrations of 300,000 people. Rumors of gold's discovery spread quickly, and was confirmed by President Polk in an address to Congress. The news spread to countries around the world. </p><p>The journey to California was long and dangerous. The three major routes were: around Cape Horn by ship (six to eight months), the Isthmus of Panama (two to three months), and the Overland trail (three to five months). By ship, dangers included: ship wrecks, lack of food and water, seasickness and disease. Ships that survived the long journeys arrived to the ports of San Francisco, where migrants had to continue their journey to the Sierra Nevada foothills.   </p> <p>Traveling 2,000 miles on the Overland Trail by foot and wagon exposed travelers to other dangers such as misinformed trails, and a lack of food and water. Travelers were exposed to inclimate weather while crossing deadly rivers, deserts, and high mountain passes. Only the very basic necessities including food, water, wagons, stock, hunting tools, blacksmithing tools, clothing, blankets, sewing kits, medical supplies would be taken for the journey.    </p> <p>On the Overland Trail, many miners joined companies. These companies were made up of people with various skills; such as, carpentry, medicine, navigation, hunting, blacksmithing and wheelwrights. The likelihood of surviving these long and dangerous journeys increased significantly for those individuals who joined companies. If a company survived the journey to California on the Overland Trail, the company also had a higher likelihood of success in gold mining. Individuals within the company could stake multiple gold mining claims and the gold would then be divided among the people of the company. During the gold rush, individuals were only allowed to own one claim.  </p> <p><br /></p>