Coloma is quite possibly one of the most important little towns in all of California. After all, it was here the California Gold Rush all began when gold was discovered in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Approximately 500 people still call Coloma home. However, it’s widely referred to as a ghost town nowadays. A visit to this historic small town is a must. It’s here that you can step back in time and experience where California’s history changed forever.
It’s likely that California would look a LOT different if gold hadn’t been discovered here in Coloma back in 1848. Although few people live in this historic small town, it’s a popular place to visit for good reason.
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Coloma is largely considered a ghost town because the few buildings that remain have been abandoned for decades or turned into museums. The town itself is quiet and peaceful. It makes for an awesome place to spend the day while exploring the unique buildings.
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The town seems to appear exactly how it did during its heyday. All of the buildings look to be original from the mid-19th century era and it really feels like you’ve been transported back in time.
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The highlight of the town is Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. The park is comprised of 576 acres and commemorates the exact spot where gold was discovered.
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A replica of Sutter’s Mill makes for a fantastic photo-op. This is a working replica of the original mill where you can view sawmill demonstrations.
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The park also features a museum, along with many original and restored buildings. Here you can see a real blacksmith at work and you can even pan for gold down by the river. The entire park is just oozing with historic charm.
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You can even view the remnants of the town’s original jailhouse. The level of preservation at this park is truly amazing. Entrance to the park is just $8 per vehicle.
Joe Hackman/Flickr
The park also includes two restored buildings from what used to be the town’s Chinatown. The original Chinatown was destroyed by a fire in 1880. The buildings currently act as museums and contain exhibits regarding the Chinese influence on gold mining during the Gold Rush.
Stuart Rankin/Flickr
It’s pretty amazing to think about what a massive impact this tiny town had on the future of California. Visiting this delightful historic town should be at the top of every Northern Californian’s to-do list.
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Have you visited Coloma? What a neat place! Don’t forget to check out our list of the 15 Slow-Paced Small Towns In Northern California that you’ll definitely want to plan a visit to.
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