Oakhurst California

Even if there is still gold in "Gold Country" of California, the real charm is in history and culture of the region. Gold Country is comprised of 12 counties in north-central California. These counties are mostly in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and are full of picturesque villages remnants of the gold rush.

It was January 24, 1848, when James W. Marshall saw gleaming metal Sutter's sawmill (which is now known as Coloma) causing the notorious gold rush to begin. In 1849, the new territory of California has seen its population jump by 90,000 people. There were people from around the globe who have tried to make the most of the gold digging in hopes of making a fortune. However, only a small fraction of them have seen the wealth they dreamed of. Individuals who benefit from the gold rush were the companies that sold supplies and services to gold seekers.

Each time there is mines, towns sprung up to support them, and just as quickly disappeared when the gold petered out. Some cities that had something to offer as the gold mines have prospered and are still there after more than a century and a half. You can find these cities throughout Highway 49, Sierra City Sierra County, north of Oakhurst in Madera County in the south. The road was marked "49" for the same reason, the prospectors were dubbed "forty-niners" - because that was the year of the gold rush began.

It is about 260 miles from the city of Sierra in Oakhurst on Highway 49, and it will take about six hours to get there. Rushing through it, however, would miss the incredible beauty and historical importance of the region. Gold Country is the place to go on a weekend.

Stroll through the charming communities like Nevada City, located only 52 miles from Sacramento. There are 93 listed buildings on the National Register of Historic Sites within this historic district. Nevada City is widely considered the best preserved Gold Rush town. Near the mine there Empire State Historic Park located in Grass Valley, which is another town well maintained since time gold rush. This state park has 784 acres for you to explore, with mining relics and information on the history of California hard rock mining.

There are several guest rooms renovated Victorian houses in the towns gold rush. The landscape is speckled with historic landmarks and fascinating museums. Not only is the story everywhere, but the scenery is so magnificent. There are many things to do for people who love being outdoors, they can hike, fish, and take part in other hobbies of snow in winter-time in the higher elevations.

California Gold Country is a wonderful place to go and it does not matter if you have a week or a weekend to spend. Anyone can easily find happiness.