Discover a Living Gold Rush Town!

Discovery of gold by the Hildreth party in 1850 put Columbia on the map

Discovery of gold by the Hildreth party in 1850 put Columbia on the map during the California gold rush. It also placed our once-booming mining town in the pages of California history forever.

Columbia State Historic Park contains the largest single collection of existing gold rush era structures. These brick buildings – many over 150 years old – recall the town’s heyday when rowdy miners wandered along busy, dusty streets.

After all, Columbia is the story of its people, an early gathering of gold seekers from all over the globe, who sought to get rich quick. Their stories and contributions are what the State and Friends of Columbia hope to preserve.

We invite you, your family and friends to get a glimpse into Columbia’s pioneer days by attending Friends of Columbia’s many interpretive programs (reenactments) presented by docent volunteers.

Simply click on Events to view what’s happening during the year throughout the park and book the events.  Teachers can also register and pay for educational programs on the Schools page.

Upcoming Events 

Gold Rush Days – Second Saturday of every month 1-4pm Free