EXPLORE FURTHER

Early pioneers traveling through this area in the late 1840's would stop to camp at night. The cattle would often wander off in search of better feed. The grassy valley was discovered by the pioneers when they rounded up their grazing cattle. There was also good water and timber in the area. The pioneers opened a store in a place called Boston Ravine. It became the beginning of the community. The settlement was given the name of Centerville, but was later changed to Grass Valley.

As the early miners worked hard in the rivers and streams they had no idea of the rich gold veins that lay below their feet. A legend said that in l850 a cow owned by George McKnight ran away. George ran after the cow and stubbed his toe on a rock that was sticking out of the ground. He looked down and saw gold in the rock . That was the place where hardrock mining began. Four million dollars in gold was taken from the area from l850 to l857. People used to say the streets of Grass Valley were paved with gold.

Hardrock mining progressed and miners from Cornwall, in the British Isles, brought new mining techniques and traditions to the town. There were three major mines in the area, The Idaho-Maryland, North Star, and the Empire Mine. Grass Valley became one of California’s richest mining towns, producing more that $400 million worth of gold.

Grass Valley Today
There are many historical landmarks throughout the town today. You can visit the Empire Mine, North Star Mining Museum, Lola Montez House, and the Holbrooke Hotel. You may decide to walk down the street and shop in the stores or eat in a nice restaurant. We hope you decide to take a trip to Grass Valley.

Nevada County Gold: More about Grass Valley