Take a walk through downtown Nevada City and visit historical sites and points of interest.
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Historical Buildings
South Yuba Canal Building, Ott’s Assay Office
The oldest business buildings in Nevada City. The South Yuba Canal Building (1855), California Historical Landmark (CHL) No. 832, houses the Chamber of Commerce. Ott’s (1857) is where James J. Ott assayed ore in 1859 that led to the famous Comstock Lode silver rush in Nevada.
The National Hotel
The state’s oldest, continuously-operating hotel consists of four buildings constructed in 1854 and 1856-57. CHL No. 899. It has recently been fully renovated. There is a restaurant and bar on site.
The Nevada Theatre
This 1865 brick structure is the oldest building in the state erected as a theatre. The theatre was recently refurbished with updating lobby and a new mural. Mark Twain performed on its stage.
Firehouse No. 2
Built in 1861, this venerable brick firehouse near the top of Broad Street housed one of Nevada City’s first volunteer fire companies.
Miners Foundry Cultural Center
Now a community center, the foundry, built in 1856, contributed technology for mining, skiing and other industries.
Sargent House
Built in 1856 by civic leader and former U.S. Senator Aaron A. Sargent, this carefully restored and landscaped home is one of the most viewed in town.
The Nevada County Courthouse
Nevada County justice has been dispensed here since 1855. The original courthouse burned in 1856, was rebuilt by 1864 and remodeled in 1937. The annex was completed in 1964.
The Old Brewery (currently known as the “Stonehouse”)
The brewery dates to 1857; its granite walls to 1882. It is currently used as an events space.
Red Castle (Private Residence)
(1860), 109 Prospect St.
Nevada Lodge No. 13, F&AM
108 1/2 No. Pine St.
Churches
Nevada City Methodist Church
(1864), 433 Broad St. (as featured in The Christmas Card movie)
St. Canice Catholic Church
(1864), 317 Washington St.
Trinity Episcopal Church
(1874), Nevada & High streets
Nevada City First Baptist Church
(1864), 300 Main St.
Museums & Historical Research
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
#5 Kidder Court (Information at 530-470-0902)
Firehouse No. 1
One of the most photographed buildings in the Gold Country. Built in 1861, the building housed Nevada Hose Co. No. 1. Now a museum.
Doris Foley Historical Research Library
211 North Pine St.
Searls Historical Library
161 Nevada City Highway
Other Areas of Interest
Historic Gold Mines
Nevada County has a rich mining history
The Pine Street Bridge
This old-fashioned bridge across Deer Creek was built in 1996, a replica of the 1903 span. The first bridge here was an 1862 suspension bridge built by Andrew Hallidie, father of San Francisco’s cable cars.
The Chinese Quarter
Several Chinese businesses were located along upper Commercial Street in the 1850s-1870s. There is a memorial on Commercial Street at the entrance to the cIty parking lot.
Pioneer Cemetery
(1851) Upper West Broad Street
Calanan Park
Lower Broad St. at Union St. Currently houses core samples from mines as well as water canons used in the “diggins”.
Pioneer Park
Park Ave. to Nimrod St. Picnic facilities, tennis courts, swimming pool, athletic fields.
Sugar Loaf Mountain
Landmark hill directly north of town. There is a trail that begins at the top of Coyote Street. (Limited parking)
Banner Mountain
elev. 3,899 ft. The area’s highest peak, 3 miles from the downtown