Main Street

 

Source: Western Mining History

Weaverville, 1852

Weaverville, nestled in the Trinity Alps region of Northern California, was a pivotal settlement during the 1850s gold rush. Alongside Shasta and Yreka, it emerged as one of the major towns for fortune-seekers looking for gold. The rugged and remote terrain in the area had deterred sustained mining efforts, but the massive influx of miners into California prompted the first endeavors to settle and extract gold from the Trinity region.

I have always been fascinated by old western towns, particularly those that were once bustling mining communities during the gold rush.

Source: internet 

Has it changed much? 

Isn't there just something charming about a small town's Main Street? It has a special allure when you consider the rich local history it holds.

 Last week or so,  I had mentioned we drove "over the hill" to Weaverville, a favorite gold mining town nearby. 

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I always make it a point to visit Olson Stoneware whenever I'm looking for unique gifts.

This old building was built in 1854. 

Notice the old, rusted, corrugated metal roof...

The buildings in Weaverville were constructed to be fire-resistant using dirt as a fireproofing material and heavy iron shutters on all windows. They have endured numerous fires and are considered one of the most remarkable assemblies of 1850s era buildings in the Western region.

In 1853, a fire caused extensive destruction. Additional fires in 1863, 1873, 1897, and 1905 also damaged the town. However, sturdy brick buildings constructed after the initial fire demonstrated the community's resilience.

An aged, weathered saloon with creaky wooden floors and swinging doors nestled beside a quaint Cafe next to the Olson Stoneware.

Diggins Saloon and the New Yorker are the only two saloons in town that have been serving patrons since the Gold Rush era and are still in business today.

If those walls could talk! 

It seems like there is a lot of energy and activity happening in there at 10 in the morning!

The historic Trinity Theater is a beautiful old building. Judging by its architecture, it was likely constructed in the 1930s, but I couldn't find the exact date.

The intricate iron spiral staircases in Weaverville are absolutely mesmerizing. On one hand, they exude a sense of cool, industrial charm, while on the other hand, they have grown a bit rickety over the years.  They were crafted to cater to the requirements of smaller people in weight and height and definitely not for the size of today’s modern person. 

There are many of these historical plagues around town. 

Pioneer Blacksmith and Tin Shop on Main St - 

close to the museum. 

The Museum.

Small town museums reveal so much history of the town and county. 

The street serves as the main thoroughfare connecting Redding and Eureka. From this vantage point, you can see the distinctive facades of the Saloon, the Cafe, and Olson Stoneware from a different angle. 

Just outside the Gold Rush Jewelers

While we were there, my husband and the owner really hit it off. They both served in the military and spent a lot of time reminiscing about their experiences. 

 

A sweet little stone bridge that has been restored...no water in that creek!

Once our winter rains begin, this little creek will be overflowing by spring. 

Finally, the Joss House -

 a Chinese temple that we enjoy visiting now and then when they have events. 

The Temple of the Forest Beneath the Clouds is the oldest Chinese Temple in California. 

The Chinese Miners came here during the Gold Rush. At one time there were over 2000 Chinese miners. Chinatown burned down in 1911. By then most of the Chinese moved on. There are a few descendents from the original coal miners that live in the area. 

Back to the 21st century...

I hope you enjoyed a piece of California's gold rush history. 

Debby