Discover the Adventure
Visit California Gold Rush Sites

Relive California's Gold Rush History

I've always believed that the best and most effective way to learn about history is is the hands-on approach. Participate in period activities, costume-ize, reenact, and visit California Gold Rush sites, where history took place.

That's why I recommend that you explore California's Gold Rush history by visiting Gold Rush sites. Many are well preserved and/or restored so that you get a real sense of having been there. Read on to discover some of my favorite Gold Rush sites.

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Northern California:
Where the Gold Rush Began

Replica of Sutter's Mill; Photo by Wolf Rosenberg Thanks to numerous folks over the last 162 years, we have many gold rush sites in Northern California that have been protected, preserved, and/or restored. Visiting them will give you a sense of what it must have been like for those adventurous souls who left home, hearth, friends and family in order to seek their fortunes. Where to begin? Let's begin at the beginning - where gold was first discovered! Drive on up to visit California's Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park at Coloma and you'll find a replica of Sutter's Mill, where James Marshall first discovered the precious metal, plus over 20 historic buildings. See our Facebook album of Coloma.

Or stop in at the Sutter's Fort (photos), home to John Sutter, the man who commissioned Marshall to build the mill.  Sutter's Fort in Sacramento was at the forefront of California's modern history thanks to Sutter's role in encouraging immigration.

One of my favorite adventures when I visit Californi's Gold Rush sites is participating in the living history experiences offered at so many of them.

Speak with someone who has just survived the gruelling experience of crossing the Sierra Nevadas in a wagon train.

Listen to James Marshall's first-hand account of his unfortunate
gold discovery, the California Gold Rush, and find out why it was an unfortunate discovery for Marshall and Sutter!

Can't get your kidlettes interested in history? Take them to visit some of California's Gold Rush sites - history will surely come alive for them if you do!

Here are some of my favorite Gold Rush history sites to visit:

• Empire Mine SHP in Grass Valley
  About as far from panning for gold as you can get! Find out why.
• Marshall Gold Discovery SHP in Coloma
  Coloma and Marshall Gold Discovery SHP - the perfect place to learn about the discovery of gold in California, and maybe even find some of your own!
• Old Sacramento
  Lovingly restored and replicated, visit the Sacramento City of 1849!
• Sutter's Fort in Sacramento
  There's nothing like a visit to Sutter's Fort in Sacramento to bring the California Gold Rush days to life!

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