Yesterday morning, as my grandson and I traveled East on Highway 16 from Sacramento, we made journey through little California Gold Rush era towns, with names like Sloughhouse and Bridge House, before reaching the Highway 49 turnoff heading south. About 35 miles from Sacramento, travelers arrive in Amador City, three miles south of Dry Town, 2 miles north of another historic community, Sutter Creek, and a mere 4 miles more on into Jackson. These places along the journey, form a daisy chain of towns and communities steeped in rich mining and pioneer history.
I snapped the photos below in Amador City. Its stretch along Highway 49 is no more than a block or two long, but it is a fun place to stop, enjoy the scenery, while visiting quaint shops. Even before the California Gold Rush was spurred by discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, John Sutter had a lumbering operation in the vicinity of Amador City.
When I view old photographs from the 1860s to present day, I am amazed at how little change has come to the little community. The major change is the paved road that now occupies what was once only dirt.
Amador City is named after Jose' Maria Amador, who with his companions set up camp in 1848, to collect gold from the creek bottom. Amador was well-known as a ranchero from the Livermore Valley. He had left his comfortable home in search of riches in this wild Sierra Foothill countryside.
For more history on Amador City you can visit:
http://www.historichwy49.com/amador/amadorhistory.html and http://www.amador-city.com/
For Gold Rush Country activities in the 40 mile vicinity between Sacramento and Jackson - including cavern tours, gold mine tours, dining and lodging, you can visit:
http://www.amadorcountychamber.com and http://www.touramador.com
I take pictures for the purpose of remembering fond times. I do not impose copyright restrictions on this photo, so you may feel free to use, or distribute as you wish. However, should you need a Real Estate Professional in the Greater Sacramento area, I hope that you will contact me by email or by visiting my website www.myrljeffcoat.com - Thank You!
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