05/16/2024 -
California Gold Rush History Comes to Life at Columbia State Historic ParkColumbia, CA...Columbia State Historic Park and Friends of Columbia invite the public on May 16-19 to explore “Diggins Tent Town 1852,” a recreation of an 1850s mining camp. At this annual living history event, visitors have the opportunity to experience the Gold Rush come to life. Over 150 costumed volunteers will help to recreate life in the Gold Rush era in detail, including clothing, food and entertainment.
The event weaves visitors through the lives of those who lived in Columbia in 1852; the stories of early miners and their families, politics, and daily events. Some of the event activities include:
- Meeting the merchants, artisans and entertainers who have come to the Diggins to “mine the miners’ pockets.”
- Interacting and observing the lifestyles of the early miners as they prepare their meals, launder their clothing and care for livestock.
- Learning about their crafts, how their children played, their entertainment – including music and gambling. A variety of foods, drinks and other items are available for purchase during the event.
“We just love to entertain and educate the public on this part of California’s past, the Gold Rush. We do it for the love of history,” said Susie Webb, a long-time park volunteer who has played a role in this event for over 15-years. You can find Susie, aka Mrs. Freeman, at the American Hotel during the four-day event preparing delicious meals and interpreting hotel life during 1852.
Visitors can also explore the historic town of Columbia. There is no charge for parking and admission to the park. The living history event is $10 per adult and $2 per child age 5 and older. For more information visit
parks.ca.gov/ColumbiaDiggins1852, email the park at
ColumbiaSHP@parks.ca.gov or call (209) 536-2649
What: Diggins Tent Town 1852
When: May 16–19, 2024
Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Columbia State Historic Park
Admission: $10 per adult, $2 per child age 5 and older
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The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at
parks.ca.gov.
Friends of Columbia is one of over 80 cooperating associations, working in support of state parks in California. As such, board members, volunteers, contributors and sponsors play a vital role in keeping this important part of California history alive through programs of enrichment. Please visit
www.friendsofcolumbiashp.com.
Columbia Merchants offer unique dining, shopping and activities in the park. Visitors will find restaurants, saloons, gold panning and stagecoach rides. For more information and contact details, please visit the
Columbia business listing.
Columbia State Historic Park, located in Tuolumne County, is designated a National Historic Landmark District. The state preserved the area to tell the story of the towns which arose to serve the needs of the miners during the California Gold Rush. California State Parks restored, and continues to preserve, over thirty of the original brick buildings along the town’s Main Street.
Columbia State Historic Park is a major tourist destination in Tuolumne County. The park includes more than twenty concessionaires whose businesses, along with park staff and volunteers, help recreate the experience of the California Gold Rush for visitors from around the world. To learn more visit
www.parks.ca.gov/columbia or call (209) 588-9128.
