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columbiastatehistoricpark

California State Parks
Primary (5 to 8 years old), Elementary (9 to 12 years old), Middle School (13 to 15 years old), High School (16 to 18 years old), Adults, Post-Secondary
Language Arts And English, Cultures, Nonfiction Informational Reading, Science, Economics, Social Studies, Visual Arts, US History, Arts, World History, Other : Gold Rush History of California

This online resource helps teachers and visitors prepare for an educational exploration of the largest collection of gold rush era brick buildings in California at Columbia State Historic Park. Teachers may want to use these photo collections as visual aids for teaching while studying the California Gold Rush.

Columbia State Historic Park is historically known as "The Gem of the Southern Mines." In spring of 1850, gold was famously discovered here. Gold mining techniques evolved with the availability of water and advances in equipment.

The abundance of placer gold in this area helped Columbia become a town of 150 businesses; once the fifth largest city in California. The strong merchant economy is known for being culturally diverse. This collection highlights some of the cultural diversity of early California.

columbiastatehistoricpark's collections

 

Fire History of a Historic Gold Mining Town Columbia, California

<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>
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California Gold Rush History: Columbia California's Culture Expressed Through Historic Photos

<p>The culture of Columbia expressed through a collection of historic photos. </p>
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Gold Rush Mining Town, Columbia California

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California Gold Rush: Gold Coins of the 1850s

<p><br /></p> <p>Paper money did not exist and was prohibited by California's constitution, in 1849. During the California Gold Rush, there were different forms of currency, such as: coins from other countries, gold dust, gold nuggets and gold slugs casted by individuals.</p>
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California Gold Rush Era Mining Technique Photos

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

<p></p> <p>Historical images of placer gold mining tools and techniques used in Columbia, CA may be used for learning different placer gold mining techniques. These visual aids may provide a better understanding of how the types of mining tools changed over time. In the early years of the gold rush, miners traveled with very few items; some which included a gold pan, pick and shovel. As more gold was discovered, mining parties established mining camps or tent towns. The cradle or rocker box was used as towns developed. Further development of mining camps brought in the use of long toms, sluice boxes and water diversions created for mining. </p>
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