Columbia State Historic Park
Columbia hosts several holiday events rain or shine, keep an eye on the calendar section for more information or check the annual events page.
Columbia became a town of 4,000 to 5,000 in the 1850s, following the discovery of gold here by the Hildreth party March 27, 1850. Gold shipments from this small area were estimated to total $87 million at 1860’s prices. At an elevation of 2,143 (perhaps a few feet lower than before gold miners dug into the ground) there are no natural lakes or rivers in the immediate area. The seasonal ponds and gullys and expensive city water slowed the progress of gold miners.
It took 7 years to bring cheaper water to the area. Because of the limited water supply, fire was a big threat. Twice, in 1854 and 1857, many of the town’s buildings were destroyed. Columbia declined rapidly after the second fire in 1858. The population dipped to around 500 and the old buildings were abandoned but it never became a ghost town.
State Legislature finally recognized the opportunity to preserve a typical Gold Rush town as an example of one of the most colorful eras in American history, in 1945 and created Columbia State Historic Park. You will also find the brand new Columbia Elementary School modern restaurants and bistros, and one of two theatres run by the award-winning Sierra Repertory Theatre. The theatre shows are at the 120 year-old Fallon House. Visit the Live Theatre section in the entertainment section.
Columbia’s Ice Skating is open in the winter season Wednesdays through Sundays with four daily skating sessions of 90 minutes each for $12.00 including skates. Wednesdays are half-price! For reservations and information go to www.columbiaiceskatingpark.com. All proceeds go to fund Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming Winterfest and other events.
Try your hand at old fashioned bowling! True this is not a bowling alley in the classic sense but it is a memorable activity that kids absolutely love. A small wooden ball, pins that are set up by hand by whom ever is brave enough to stand at that end and a chalk board for keeping score. This is what bowling was like in the old west! Usually open during Columbia State Historic Park annual events.
Related Links
If you want to stay in the Mother Lode take a look our list of places to stay.
Planning a wedding, conference or other event? Take a look our list of places to host your event.
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Events
Columbia College Dogwood Theater | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Calaveras Master Gardeners Open Garden Gate
Calaveras Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Columbia College Dogwood Theater | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Spooky Flea Market in the Park
West Side Memorial Park | 12:00 am
3rd Annual Boots, Bids &BBQ
The Barn at Hurst Ranch | 12:00 am
Columbia College Dogwood Theater | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Spooky Flea Market in the Park
West Side Memorial Park | 12:00 am
Under the Big Top Show
Summerville High School | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Columbia College Dogwood Theater | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Spooky Flea Market in the Park
West Side Memorial Park | 12:00 am
Farmers Market
Murphys Community Park | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm