The largest city in Nevada County, California, is Grass Valley, which is located there. The famed days of the Gold Rush, during which people from all over the world attempted to strike it rich, may be to blame if the area seems familiar. The region, which is located in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, once hosted hundreds of people who immigrated from England—more specifically, Cornwall—in an effort to convert their tin mining experience into a gold mining windfall.
The well-known Empire Mine and the North Star Mine, both of which are still in operation and are popular tourist destinations, were once two of the richest mines in the state. Because of their rich history, the Empire Mine has been transformed into a state park with historical artifacts, exhibits, an English-style cottage, and gardens that visitors are free to explore. Similarly, the public is welcome to visit the North Star Powerhouse Mining Museum, which offers tours and docents in period costumes so they can bring history to life. Most of the equipment there is still in good working condition.
Because so many of the locals during the Gold Rush of the 1800s were of English descent, the city still maintains many strong ties to England and her traditions. In addition to a variety of English-style cuisine, there are yearly festivals. Another popular tourist destination in the area is Bourne Cottage, a former home of the mine owners that has been preserved in its original condition. It is surrounded by lovely English gardens with walkways and walks that allow you to take a true step back in time to a simpler period of history without cell phones or the internet, when you could expect the next find to make you a millionaire.
Beautiful scenery and other natural features can be seen in the area by visiting one of the many nearby parks or walking trails. It is a calm city with roots in the past and a year-round tourist destination for many. The majority of those who live in the city today either work in the retail or tourism sectors, preserving the memories of the Gold Rush.
Not all of the miners who rushed to Grass Valley, California, made their millions, but they left us with memories that have since become history that we can all enjoy.