Nevada County Time Line THE HISTORY OF NEVADA COUNTY   EXPLORE FURTHER Becoming California, stories from California Gold Rush History January 24, 1848- James Marshall discovers gold at Sutter’s Mill along the American River. July 30, 1849- Charles Marsh, a young surveyor from Wisconsin was the first to settle the site of Nevada City. 1849- Settlement developed along the banks of Deer Creek in Nevada City. A group of immigrants settled by the side of Wolf Creek by what would later become Grass Valley. September 1849- First building on Broad Street in Nevada City by John Truesdale. Mining begins in Grass Valley. First sermon preached in Grass Valley by Reverend Isaac Owens. December 1849- Express started by Benjamin and Herbert Bower to transport the first great mail that arrived in Sacramento. 1850- Civic leaders name the town Deer Creek Diggings "Nevada", Spanish for “snow-covered”. Which was later changed to Nevada City when its name was borrowed by the state to the east June 1850- George McKnight discovers Gold Hill Ledge. October 1850- George D. Roberts discovers gold on Ophir Hill, which later becomes the site of the Empire Mine. November 1850- First election held in Grass Valley. James Walsh elected Justice of Peace. Winter of 1850 to 1851- First successful quartz mill in the United States operated on steam power was built in Grass Valley. April 1851- First newspaper in Nevada County was started in Nevada (city) by Warren B. Ewer. It was called the Nevada Journal. 1853- First public school opened and first volunteer fire department stated in Grass Valley 1854- Empire Mine established. Mine shaft is 102 feet deep 1861- Firehouse No. 2 located near the top of Broad St. housed one of Nevada City’s first volunteer fire companies. Firehouse No.1 was built and housed Nevada Hose Co. No. 1. 1864- The Union newspaper established in Grass Valley. 1865- Nevada Theater in Nevada City built 1884- Hydraulic mining is stopped 1893- Grass Valley incorporated as a city March 15, 1907- First commercial air field in the United States built in Grass Valley 1957- Empire Mine closes 1975- Empire Mine properties (777 acres) purchased by the State of California for $1,250,000 to make a State Historic Park Grass Valley History Grass Valley Landmarks Mining
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