Auburn

In 1848, French gold miners discovered gold in what would become known as Auburn Ravine. The area soon developed into a mining camp, although it didn’t stay one for long. Miners quickly left for richer lands, but by 1851, the town of Auburn was thriving and became (if by somewhat suspicious means) the capital of the newly formed Placer County. Its political importance and location kept the town from falling into forgotten obscurity, as its much richer gold town neighbors did.

Today Auburn is a popular stop for motorists on their way up to the Sierras, but there is plenty to do and see for those who stop and stay a while. Old Town Auburn still has many of the original buildings from Gold Rush days, now filled with shops and restaurants. The city also boasts a number of museums featuring Gold Rush and California history, most notably in the iconic Auburn Courthouse and in the old Auburn Depot Building.